Genocide, Colonialism, and the Int'l (711IR)
Genocide, Colonialism, and the International
Module 711IR
Module details for 2021/22.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This module adopts a global lens in order to offer an in-depth exploration of genocide throughout history and in the contemporary world. Drawing on insights from fields as diverse as anthropology, history, sociology, philosophy, psychology and law, it examines contrasting scholarly approaches to the analysis and explanation of genocide. We take a detailed look at the origins of the concept itself, and survey conceptual and theoretical debates that are often highly politicised. Illuminating neglected intellectual threads and histories, the module is underpinned by a philosophy of decentring the conventional genocide ‘canon’, excavating taken for granted meanings, and unpacking the complex issues associated with labelling a situation as a ‘genocide’. Indeed, doing so is necessary if we are to engage critically with the experience of genocide in the contemporary world, as well as the challenges (and dangers) of response.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate coherent and systematic understanding of how the academic field of genocide studies has developed over the last 3-4 decades, in a way that enables them to comment on particular aspects of current research, and critically evaluate the biases and assumptions (ontological, epistemological, and methodological) that characterise the field.
Demonstrate understanding of the intellectual history and conceptual genealogy of the term ‘genocide’, and apply knowledge of this conceptual history when reflecting upon contemporary debates about how we should define genocide.
Demonstrate coherent and detailed knowledge of a number of empirical case studies (historical and contemporary), and connect these case studies to issues of historical interpretation and theoretical explanation.
Demonstrate critical and nuanced understanding of the major theoretical approaches to analysing and understanding genocide, and an ability to contrast, compare, and evaluate their respective explanatory strengths and weaknesses.
Apply conceptual and theoretically informed understanding, drawing on ideas and insights at the forefront of the field of genocide studies, in order to frame appropriate questions, and develop arguments using evidence effectively.
Reflect upon the ethical and political challenges of studying and responding to massive human suffering, and develop an appreciation of the diverse ways in which victims, artists, lawyers, scholars and others have represented and interpreted genocide.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (4000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Thu 16:00 | 90.00% |
| Coursework | 10.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Group Presentation | T2 Week 11 (10 minutes) | 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 | Workshop | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Mx Emilia Moscardini-Powers
Assess convenor
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Dr Louise Wise
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/429938
Dr Matthew Ford
Assess convenor
/profiles/261708
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