POL378H1S L0101

Topics in Comparative Politics II

Genocide and Mass Killing

Themes

This course provides a framework for understanding and analyzing genocide and mass killing. Using a comparative approach, this course introduces students to debates in: (1) conceptualizing types of mass killing (including genocide) and (2) explaining the causes of mass killing. The course is organized into three parts. In the first part of the course, students will be introduced to key concepts from literature on mass killing, including genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes. In the second part of the course, students will learn different explanations for mass killing. In the third part of the course, students will apply key concepts and theoretical approaches to in-depth case studies.

By the end of this course students will be familiar with different theoretical approaches to understanding mass killing and the relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Students will also be familiar with applying these approaches to different case studies.

Texts

All readings will be provided electronically to students on Quercus.

Format and Requirements

TBA

Prerequisites

1.0 credit in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses