First-Year Writing Seminar - European History (101-8-24)

Topic

What is Genocide?

Instructors

Ipek Kocaomer Yosmaoglu
847/491-3154
Harris Hall Room 214

Meeting Info

University Library 5322: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

aphael Lemkin, a Polish lawyer of Jewish descent coined the term genocide to describe the mass killings of Jews and other "undesirables" in axis-occupied Europe during the Second World War. Lemkin thought that this type of mass violence required a name to distinguish it from others and lobbied hard for the development of the Genocide Convention, which was approved by the United Nations in 1948. Lemkin's principal motive was to establish an international legal framework to punish those responsible for this crime so that it wouldn't be repeated. Despite its noble aims the Genocide Convention's narrowly legal definition of the term and its identification with the Holocaust remain as important shortcomings which make the study and analysis of mass violence, historical or current, difficult. This course will introduce historical examples and theoretical underpinnings of the concept and encourage students to think critically about the terms and narratives we use to describe and analyze mass murders of civilians in different contexts. Please note that the subject matter requires the use of course materials that include graphic descriptions of violence.

Learning Objectives

Critical thinking, writing and communicating effectively about complex issues

Evaluation Method

Short essays, presentation, and class participation

Class Materials (Required)

Materials will be posted on Canvas

Class Notes

Concentration: Americas; European; Asia/Middle East; Africa/Middle East

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar