2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HIST3880 'Parasites' and 'Cockroaches': Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide in the Modern World

20 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Lorna Waddington
Email: l.l.waddington@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module involves a wide-ranging, comparative examination of ethnic cleansing and genocide as it has occurred over the last one hundred years. It fulfils several of the history benchmark criteria, particularly those relating to varied geographical range, engagement of contemporary sources, and issues of continuity and change. The module seeks to evaluate and test the various theories of ethnic cleansing within a firm historical framework, and will include discussion of historical determinants, socio-economic causes and the significance of ethno-national movements. A major part of the module will be devoted to addressing the reaction and response of the international community and international organisations. Furthermore, the course will examine the impact of Cold War influences and decolonisation as well as ethnic cleansing and genocide in the post-Cold War era.Content note: to discuss these themes effectively it is necessary for us to read/look at/discuss material which covers some topics which may be challenging for you. These topics include: genocide, gender violence, racist language, murder, mass violence, and torture. The module tutor can provide more information on this if required.

Objectives

On completion of this module students should be able to:
a. Identify and evaluate the key debates concerning the theories and concepts of both ethnic cleansing and genocide.
b. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the determinants and course of various cases of ethnic cleansing and genocide.
c. Evaluate the reactions these cases provoked in the wider international community
d. Demonstrate the ability to handle problems of change and continuity over time.

Skills outcomes
High-level skills in oral and written communication of complex ideas; independence of mind and self-discipline and self-direction to work effectively under own initiative; ability to locate, handle and synthesize large amounts of information; capacity to employ analytical and problem-solving abilities; ability to engage constructively with the ideas of their peers, tutors and published and unpublished sources; ability to present complex ideas effectively.

Syllabus

Theories and concepts of ethnic cleansing and genocide
Case studies will include: Armenia; the Holocaust; the Killing Fields of Cambodia; Bosnia, Kosovo and Srebrenica; Rwanda.
International involvement particularly the role of the UK and the USA.
The role of international organisations such as the United Nations.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Independent reading for seminars; exam preparation; researching, preparing, and writing assignments; undertaking set reading; and self-directed reading around the topic.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Measured through a variety of formative assessments - contributions to class discussions, oral presentation component, and occasional class problem solving exercises. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to self-reflect on their progress.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	2 x group presentations, at times throughout the semester to be determined by tutor. These will be accompanied by a self-reflective log (500 word reflection + other questions to be determined by tutor), handout and powerpoint (to be submitted before the presentation)	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		40.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment	48 hr	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		60.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/10/2024

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