This course explores various genocides of the modern era, with particular emphasis on the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923). We will examine the processes of genocide, collective responsibility and responses from the international community. People want to know why genocide happens and that is a great question which we will address, however we will take it a step further and examine not only why genocide happens but why we, as an international community, allow genocide to continue, even when we know how to prevent it. Denial is often noted as the final stage in the process of genocide but like dehumanization, denial is present throughout each stage. Therefore it is imperative that we examine the motives for genocide denial, both during and after the events take place. We will examine the social/psychological effects of genocide, not only in regards to the victims but the perpetrators as well. A key point to remember is that acts like genocide are never without contention; people and groups have risked their lives to stand up against such evil and in this class we will honor those stories of resistance and survival. My hope is that by the end of the semester we will all choose to be agents of change and not bystanders to genocide and genocide denial.

This course fulfills: the University requirement for upper Division General Education Distribution Area D (Non-Domestic) and the Diversity and Common Ground requirement. This course can be taken as an elective for graduating units or as a requirement for the CRGS major, Ethnic Studies Pathway. ES306 may also count towards a requirement for the Ethnic Studies Interdisciplinary Minor and the Criminology and Justice Studies “Law” Knowledge Area.