COL 115LEC—Genocide, Testimony, Truth

The term “genocide” emerged in the aftermath of World War II to designate criminal acts carried out with the intent to destroy national, ethnic, racial or religious groups. In this context, genocide has often been considered the paradigmatic “crime against humanity” and the “crime of crimes.” The term continues to be relevant for international law today. Focusing on the legacy of the concept, the course addresses the historical parameters of genocide by examining the Nazi genocide of the European Jewish population and the Rwandan genocide of 1994. At the heart of the course, however, is the tension between historical truth and testimony, on the one hand, that the relation of both to fictional accounts. Fulfills SUNY GE in Humanities and World History and Global Awareness. This course is the same as JDS 115 and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.