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International Responses to Mass Atrocities (384-0-1)

Instructors

Daniel Krcmaric

Meeting Info

Scott Hall 201 Ripton Room: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This class is about what, if anything, the international community can and should do in response to mass atrocities around the globe. We will proceed in four parts. In the first, we will discuss the causes of mass atrocities and examine one prominent historical case, the Holocaust. In the second, we will discuss the different options in the international policymaker's "toolkit" when it comes to confronting mass atrocities (e.g., military intervention, humanitarian assistance, economic sanctions, human rights prosecutions, etc.). In the third, we will discuss two relatively recent cases, Bosnia and Rwanda. In the fourth, students will give in-class presentations on contemporary cases of mass atrocities in the form of mock National Security Council briefings.

Learning Objectives

"The objective of this course is to give students the intellectual tools required to comprehend world affairs - particularly how international actors can respond to mass atrocities - in a sophisticated manner. As such, we will work to bridge the gap between the academic literature and the real world. This will occur in both our class discussions and the student presentations. Students are therefore expected to stay up to date on current world affairs by reading a major newspaper on a daily basis. I recommended the New York Times, Washington Post, and Financial Times"

Evaluation Method

Grades are based on the following criteria:

  • Class participation (25%): You should complete the assigned readings and actively participate in class discussions. Your attendance will affect your participation grade since you cannot actively participate if you are absent. This portion of your grade is based on both quantity (how often you discuss the readings, ask questions, etc.) and quality (comments based on a careful reading of the material vs. unsubstantiated opinions).
  • Midterm exam (35%): We will have an in-class midterm exam. The midterm will test your understanding of key concepts and policy issues from the readings and our discussions. You are allowed - and encouraged - to study for the midterm with your fellow students. The exam itself is closed book, closed notes.
  • Final presentation (40%): In lieu of a traditional final exam, we will have in-class presentations on contemporary cases of mass atrocities. The presentations will take the form of 30-minute National Security Council briefings. Students will role-play the members of the NSC, and the professor will role-play the President. Your job is to present the President with an overview of an ongoing case of mass atrocities, outline the potential policy responses, and finally advocate for a particular policy. This will be a group project (expect to work in teams of three), and your group is expected to conduct original research for it. After the briefing, students will face a tough question and answer session from me ("the President") and their fellow classmates.

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area