Genocide History

HST 194 - Holocaust and Genocide

Overview

Historical examples of genocide and mass killing abound, but why does this horrible crime continue in our modern world? This course aims to identify the causes of historical examples of genocide through comparative study. Beyond simply creating a heiarchy of suffering, students engage in critical discussions aimed at uncovering the modern causes of genocide - especially nationalism, racism, colonialism, industrialization - that still plague our modern world. Suspending our historical hindsight allows us to understand that the elements of genocide still underscore structures of our society today and to prevent the crime from recurring, we need to reassess how we got here.

Check out an article about this course: Understanding genocide in hisotrical and modern contexts

Requirements

To be successful in this course, we recommend English language fluency and computer literacy. We also encourage you to make sure your laptop or desktop computer meets the technical requirements.

What you’ll learn

Define genocide
Explain the historical context and contributing factors that led to the Holocaust
Demonstrate awareness and a nuanced understanding, beyond simple comparisons of suffering, of various instances of genocide in history and be able to analyze the complex factors that drive such atrocities
Critically assess contemporary societal tendencies that may lead to mass crimes and identify potential strategies to reduce the risk of genocide in the future

Transcript

This course appears on your transcript identically to how it appears on the transcript of an enrolled ASU student who has taken the course on one of ASU’s campuses. Course attendance dates will be listed on your transcript. An on-demand course will appear on your transcript in the session you complete the course.

This course satisfies 3 credit hours at Arizona State University. It is strongly encouraged that you consult with your institution of choice to determine how these credits will be applied to their degree requirements prior to transferring your credit.

Faculty and course staff

Jason Dawsey

Assistant Teaching Professor,

School of Historical Philosophical and Religious Studies

Arizona State University

Why take ASU Universal Learner Courses

Credit you receive is from a regionally accredited university
Your credit is highly transferable
You only pay the $400 course cost if you pass