Mass killings have occurred at all times in history. The 20th century, however, stands out in intensity, frequency, and the means applied to kill great numbers of innocent people.
This includes, of course, the Holocaust, but also other historic mass killings in Europe such as those conducted under the Soviet Union as well as in Bosnia and elsewhere.
Through lectures, case studies, and visits to the locations of historic atrocities, investigate the causes of genocide and the sociological and psychological mechanisms that turn people into perpetrators, bystanders, rescuers, and victims.
This course analyzes the causes and consequences of genocide. Specific cases of genocide and near-genocide, including the Holocaust, are studied along with issues such as perpetrator profiles, commemoration, and genocide prevention. Definitions of genocide, methodology, and theories of the phenomena of genocide are discussed.
