Genocide in International Relations (013IRS)
Genocide in International Relations from Ancient Times to the Present
Module 013IRS
Module details for 2019/20.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module explores systematic mass violence from ancient times to the present day. Focussing on a comparative study of cases and theories of genocide, it emphasises the importance of situating all genocides within webs of shifting global and transnational relations. We explore the destruction of indigenous peoples around the world, as well as major episodes from the 20th century, including the Armenian genocide in Turkey, the Nazi Holocaust, Cambodia, and Rwanda. We also think about questions of definition, and look at a number of ‘forgotten’ genocides, such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Guatemala. Analysing these cases and others, we ask what theories help us to better understand them, and what motivated states and ordinary people to perpetrate atrocities.
Module learning outcomes
This module explores systematic mass violence from ancient times to the present day. Focussing on a comparative study of cases and theories of genocide, it emphasises the importance of situating all genocides within webs of shifting global and transnational relations. We explore the destruction of indigenous peoples around the world, as well as major episodes from the 20th century, including the Armenian genocide in Turkey, the Nazi Holocaust, Cambodia, and Rwanda. We also think about questions of definition, and look at a number of ‘forgotten’ genocides, such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Guatemala. Analysing these cases and others, we ask what theories help us to better understand them, and what motivated states and ordinary people to perpetrate atrocities.
Understand and evaluate contrasting theoretical approaches to the analysis of genocide
Synthesise detailed empirical knowledge of a number of cases of genocide (historical and contemporary) with key ontological, epistemological, ethical and methodological debates
Comprehend and categorise different historical ‘forms’ and ‘patterns’ of genocide in relation to their global context(s)
Recognise various forms of politicisation characterising scholarship and public discourse on genocide
Reflect critically on questions of historical interpretation and representation in relation to genocide, including the ethical challenges associated with studying, writing about, and responding to massive human suffering and trauma
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 15.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Group Presentation | T2 Week 11 (10 minutes) | 100.00% |
| Essay (3500 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 85.00% |
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 | 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.
Dr Louise Wise
Convenor
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/429938
Dr Earl Gammon
Assess convenor
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/138664
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