50251 Genocide Studies
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the social, political, historical and religious causes of genocide and its impact on local, national and global policies and attitudes. The initial four weeks of the subject focus on important general theoretical issues relating to the definition and application of the term 'genocide' and its legal, political and moral implications. From Week 6, the subject explores three specific case studies: the Holocaust, the Armenian genocide and the Tutsi genocide in Rwanda.
The subject provides students with critical skills to undertake independent and collaborative analysis and research into specific genocides which have shaped contemporary society. Students develop critical thinking and written/oral communication skills, with attention paid to best ethical practice.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | Analyse genocide in its historical, political, cultural, social and economic dimensions at a local, national and international level. |
|---|---|
| b. | Adopt approaches and methodological frameworks to engage in intercultural research. |
| c. | Apply knowledge of genocide in their research. |
| d. | Demonstrate critical problem-solving and research-led analytical skills through independently designed, engaged and ethical outputs. |
| e. | Effectively communicate the results of their independent research both orally and in written form. |
| f. | Adopt and follow academic good practice, including ethical practice and proper referencing procedures. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):
- Work independently and evaluate one's own performance (1.2)
- Contribute effectively within a team (1.3)
- Solve complex trans-disciplinary problems using research and analysis to develop creative and/or evidence-based approaches (2.1)
- Reflect upon and contextualise Indigenous peoples' situations relative to globalisation, taking into consideration histories of colonialism, institutional constraints and prejudice (4.1)
- Act ethically as informed by an awareness of connections between global and local issues (5.1)
- Communicate and collaborate effectively in a variety of communication scenarios and contexts (6.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject will involve weekly online modules covering important contextual and theoretical information, followed by a two-hour tutorial in which the students will engage in practice-based learning. Tutorials are an important part of the learning experience and will be a chance for students to receive formative feedback to check their understanding of core concepts, especially in the early part of the session. Students are expected to attend and participate in learning activities in all tutorials.
Students will be required to complete the online modules prior to attending the weekly tutorials in order to use class time to deepen their understanding of the core issues relating to the particular subject area designated for that week.
In conducting their individual research in preparation for the creative project and exegesis, students will undertake inquiry-based learning to promote their understanding of the core concept of genocide and their engagement with the different peoples and societies affected by this global phenomenon.
Students will be encouraged to customise their learning experience through independent research and through an analytical and reflective response to primary and secondary sources.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Analysis of source material
| Objective(s): | a, b, c and d | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 20% | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Creative Project and Exegesis
| Objective(s): | a, b, c, d and e | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: On-line test
| Objective(s): | a | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Required texts
Essential readings and associated activities are indicated in the On-line modules. These are intended to provide students with a solid grounding in the issues relevant to the specific topic being covered each week. Additional readings are recommended to assist students with further individual research in preparation for the creative project and exegesis.