Dr. Wilson Bell, Dr. Richard McCutcheon
HRSJ 5110 was the heaviest and most thematically difficult course that I have taken. We approached genocide from several angles; philosophical, historical, literary, which helped me see how complex and interconnected these issues really are. The case studies, the discussions about language, the role of eugenics and colonialism, and the debates around ethics and international responses all added layers I hadn’t considered before.
One of the most meaningful parts of the class was the learning community we built together. The conversations, both in small groups and as a full class, shaped my understanding as much as the readings did. Even when we disagreed, the expectation that we engage respectfully and thoughtfully made space for real dialogue. I learned as much from my peers’ perspectives as from the course materials.
The variety of activities – videos, guest speakers, and discussions, kept the course dynamic, but the heart of it was the deep reading and reflection. Sitting with difficult texts, trying to understand the early warning signs of genocide, and thinking through the moral questions involved was challenging but important work.
By the end of the course, I felt more confident using the key concepts and terminology in genocide and human rights studies. I can better identify the causes and early indicators of genocide, and I have a clearer sense of the debates and controversies within the field. I also gained a more critical understanding of how international efforts succeed or fail in responding to genocide. Most of all, this course taught me how to think and talk about genocide with care, and how to build arguments grounded in solid scholarship, how to listen to others, and how to hold space for difficult histories.
globalindigenousvoice.org 