Genocide B (V1371B)
Special Subject: Genocide B
Module V1371B
Module details for 2021/22.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
Genocide, the term and the concept, was invented by Raphael Lemkin at the end of the Second World War in an attempt to intellectually grasp the horrors of what Churchill called a "crime without a name": the Shoah. And it was Raphael Lemkin who in 1948 succeeded in getting the U.N. General Assembly to ratify the Genocide Convention to prevent similar crimes in the future. Since then not only did the term become widely used in public and in academic scholarship describing mass murders as far back as the Assyrian Empire, but the practice, too, did not come to an end with the Shoah turning the concept of genocide into a pivotal analytical tool in understanding the violent history of the 20th century.
The module will combine an in-depth analysis of various genocides with an investigation of genocide as a generic concept. In the first instance, the module examines the international discussion leading up to the adoption of the Genocide Convention and the Shoah as the event which not only shaped the specific content of the convention but also guaranteed the necessary support at the General Assembly. Secondly, case studies ranging from the killing of the native population in British colonised Australia to Darfur are analysed focussing mainly but not only on the social dynamics that lead to mass killings, the motivation of the perpetrators and the construction of the victim groups. Finally, the module examines and contrasts various recent definitions of what constitutes genocide exploring their merits and limitations and discusses alternative concepts.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate a detailed knowlege of a closely defined topic.
Construct sophisticated written arguments that demonstrate intellectual maturity and integrity
Situate, evaluate and analyse primary historical sources.
Relate the interpretation of primary sources to secondary interpretations.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (4000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Thu 16:00 | 50.00% |
| Coursework | 50.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T2 Week 7 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Hana Qugana
Assess convenor
/profiles/526043
Dr Gerhard Wolf
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/100044
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