Understanding Genocide (389-0-20)

Instructors

Jeff Rice
847/491-8916
1908 Sheridan

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 223: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This is a class on the definition of and the structural aspects of genocides. There will be two basic principles: the first is all genocides are unique, but they have many aspects in common, and we will examine a balance between the two; and, secondly, we will try and determine whether some variables are necessary for a genocide to occur. Thus, the ability to note these structures or variables will provide some kind of warning.

Poverty, nationalism, cultural recidivism, war, charisma, suspension of civil liberties for certain groups including the right to own property, vote, are examples of potential genocidal conditions.

We will look at the genocide against the Jews in Germany, i.e. the Holocaust; the murder of Tutsis by Hutus in Rwanda, and either Darfur or Bosnia . One thing we will exam is the difference between ethnic cleansing and genocide. A warning, we will not obsess over numbers as in how many deaths does it take or which genocide is worse. Likewise, we will work on the assumption that mass murder is just plain wrong.

Readings will include Peter Hayes on The Holocaust, Gerard Prunier on Rwanda, and others.

Learning Objectives

Genocide is a widely used and misused term, coined after WW 2 and the primary goal is to formulate a rigorous concept which will be both flexible and based on real time processes . We will focus on three case studies from the 1930s to c. 2000s.

Evaluation Method

To Be Determined but all students will be required to do a one on one oral exam the content of which will be discussed well in advance and worth 50% of the grade. There will also be 25% class participation and 25% for a short, in class quiz.

Class Materials (Required)

Peter Hayes: "Why: Explaining the Holocaust", Norman Naimark: "Stalin's Genocide, Gérard Prunier: "The Rwandan Crisis". All available on line.

Class Attributes

Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Political Science students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.