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POLIS: The Centre for Social Policy Research · ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
The course focuses on the historical, political, cultural, economic and social contexts of genocide and mass killings with a focus on the 20th and 21st centuries. The local, national and international causes and impacts of genocide will be examined, as well as the different forms that genocide takes. The Jewish Holocaust and its seminal place in history and genocide studies will be investigated, as well as more recent case studies. The ideological bases for such killings, questions of responsibility and punishment, and the structures and processes that have developed in response to genocide will be addressed through the case studies. The course will also explore debates about the definition of genocide and the political, legal and moral implications of different approaches to definition.
Case study report (1500 words)
Learning outcomes 2, 3
Research essay (3000 words)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
Group presentation
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
Lectorial and seminar participation
Learning outcomes 4
Lectorial and Seminar participation This course combines the acquisition of knowledge and skills with personal and ethical development. It asks students to reflect on experiences on grief, loss and profound trauma in the context of historical events. The content of the course is unusually confronting and challenging. In order to provide a supportive environment in which students can safely engage with the curriculum, the course adopts a pedagogical approach based on the model of a community of practice. In this model, learning is a collective process based on regular interaction between learners. Therefore participation is a required component of assessment. Students must participate in at least 75% of lectorials and seminars. Non-participation requires a medical certificates. (null) [LO null]
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectorials and 12 hours of seminars; and b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing. Other Information Content Warning This course examines some of the most atrocious human behaviour recorded and contains content which may be shocking or distressing for some students. The curriculum includes discussion, images and accounts of warfare, atrocities, hate crimes and violence, death and severe injury, sexual violence, physical and emotional abuse, child abuse, self-harm and suicide, mental illness, misogyny, racism, xenophobia and classism. If you have questions about the content of the course and concerns about its nature please contact the convener for a face to face meeting. If you find yourself distressed by the course you should also contact the convener, or other ANU support services [link to http://www.anu.edu.au/students/health-safety-wellbeing/counselling]. It is an inherent requirement of this course that students be emotionally capable of dealing with these topics.
TBC