1. Understand the wide range of acts of violence and genocide perpetrated in the 20th and 21st centuries
Knowledge and understanding, enquiry, analysis

2. Demonstrate an ability to identify and critically evaluate the legal, ethical, religious, political and cultural issues related to the investigation of conflict and genocide in range of different locations and environments
Knowledge and understanding, learning, analysis

3. Apply appropriate research skills and demonstrate communicative and evidencing skills [for individual assignments] appropriate to Masters level
Analysis and communication

This module will be specifically assessed by:

1) the completion of a digital poster presentation on a theme or site of your choice. You will present your digital poster remotely to a panel of staff, specialists, and postgraduate students. [LO 1,3]

2) A critical assessment essay taken from a list of topics chosen by the tutors. [LO 1,2]

3) Engagement in discussion and online debates. [LO 1,2,3]

On this module, you will be introduced to the history and evolution of genocide, its definition, and the legal aspects of mass violence and atrocity. You will study acts of genocide from across the globe to develop an understanding of the events and the legacies that such acts left behind.

Topics covered will include:
• Introduction to Genocide and Mass Violence
• Genocide and the Law
• War Crimes – e.g. The Armenian Genocide; Nazi Persecution, Terror, and Genocide;
• The Holocaust and modern society;
• Communism and Soviet Terror
• Genocide in Cambodia and East Timor
• Ethno-national conflicts – e.g. Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe
• Displaced Persons
• Cultural Genocide and Genocide in Syria
• Aftermath: International Responses to Genocide

Knowledge brings awareness, understanding and tolerance. On this module, you will be introduced to the history and evolution of genocide, its definition, and the legal aspects of mass violence and atrocity. You will study acts of genocide from across the globe to develop an understanding of the events and the legacies that such acts left behind. Taught by active forensic archaeologists and genocide investigators, this module represents an important step in your development towards a career in conflict and forensic investigation.

Technology Enhanced Learning represents a core means of delivery. Technology forms an important element of both our teaching and research at the Centre of Archaeology. The online taught sessions will include a wide variety of media types and approaches. All teaching is done using a set of weekly readings and tasks on Blackboard; We use the available technologies to give DL students the opportunity to engage directly with staff and each other. The team’s approach to technology enhanced learning is to use it to close the distance between staff and students. Blackboard collaborate provides on-line meeting rooms where distance-learning students can meet with each other and with staff. It also supports the various webinars we run on the Masters Programme. Audio feedback both on discussion board posts and assignments is given by some members of staff, and this has proved a popular way of ensuring a stronger sense of direct personal contact with tutors. Microsoft Teams calls will frequently replace phone calls and this direct form of communication with students around the world is an invaluable way of making all students feel part of the University and its learning community. Social media will also play an important role in the delivery of the module. The Centre of Archaeology Facebook page, the Centre of Archaeology website, and several specific project web platforms all contain a huge volume of material that is highly relevant to the content of this course and they will represent important resources for information, debate, and engagement.

Tutors will provide supporting materials and formative assessments to help you explore the topics further. Discussion and debate will be encouraged, and a number of different media types will be used throughout the course to allow you to engage with the subject matter. The self-directed study also makes up an important part of the module that will enable you to become a more independent learner and help prepare you for doctoral study or employment.

Sturdy Colls, C. 2015. Holocaust Archaeologies: Approaches and Future Directions. New York: Springer

Anstett, E. and Dreyfus, J. 2015. Human remains and identification: mass violence, genocide, and the 'forensic turn'. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Anstett, E. and Dreyfus, J. 2017. Destruction and human remains: Disposal and concealment in genocide and mass violence. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Saunders, N. J., & Cornish, P. (Eds.). (2017). Modern Conflict and the Senses. London: Routledge.

Supplied course packs of readings; ebooks and e-journals, relevant websites.
Blackboard VLE
Computer with internet access; students’ own textbooks

N/A