Racism, Violence, and Genocide in Modern World History

Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in any WC&IL II course or HON 1000.

This course examines the emergence, evolution, varieties, and causes of the systematic exclusion of, and violence towards, populations defined by ethnicity, nationality, or race. Initially it examines instances of mass violence within the context of pre-20th-century European imperialism and explores contested categories of ethnicity, nationality, and race. The second half explores cases of 20th-century violence involving mass murder, “ethnic cleansing,” and war crimes. The course culminates by studying the impact of 21st-century global terrorism, its effects on the nation-state and its citizens, and the role of the international community in preventing future genocide.

Credit: 3