Credits: 4

Grade 11 Grade 12

Genocide Studies and Crimes Against Humanity 12 delves into: 1) the aspects or types of identity that link members of a group, and can take the form of gender, racial, political, religious, national, or any other possible personal identifications—and how identity is central to the path toward genocide; 2)the social construction of race, racialization and othering; 3)  what constitutes genocide in the eyes of the international community; 4) proto-genocide: cases of genocide before the term/concept was invented;  and 5) the interplay of colonialism and genocide  throughout human history. If students are concerned about peace, human rights, and justice, genocide is the “Big One,” what Joseph Conrad called the “heart of darkness.” Though the study of genocide can be intimidating and disturbing, it is extremely important. That is, students will attempt to comprehend and confront one of humanity’s greatest scourges (Jones, 2016). Given the complex nature of genocide studies, this course will include material that may be emotionally and/or psychologically challenging for students.