Course: Genocide and Group Hostility

Genocide and Group Hostility

In this course we will explore genocide and group hostility, using example cases such as the Rwandan genocide, the Srebrenica genocide, and the Yazidi genocide.

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The UN Genocide Convention was made in 1948 in the aftermath of the Holocaust. With this historical and legal reference, we will explore selected cases from recent times affecting different ethnic and/or religious groups: Tutsis in Rwanda, Bosnian Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina (Srebrenica), and Yazidis in Iraq and Syria. When discussing genocide and other mass atrocities, we will also consider more recent examples, like the atrocities perpetrated against the Rohingyas in Myanmar and those in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. The main questions and topics addressed in this course, however, have general and universal relevance.

Course Aims

This course will provide resources that enable you to

  • Recognize shared characteristics and key differences that define genocide and other mass atrocities
  • Understand genocide through the lens of different cases from recent years
  • Explore the relationship between group hostility, religious identity, gender, and genocide
  • Recognize warning signals that may escalate to genocide or other mass atrocities, and gain insight into preventive measures
  • Learn about different legal and non-legal approaches to restoration after genocide.

Course Modules

This course is divided into four main modules, addressing the following main topics:

Module 1: GENOCIDE

  • the definition of genocide according to the UN Genocide convention; other conceptions of genocide; and on use/misuse of the term
  • differences and similarities between genocide, ethnic cleansing, and other mass atrocities

Module 2: GROUP HOSTILITY

  • the impact of group hostility and dehumanization for legitimizing genocide, as well as political/contextual and other factors used to mobilize for genocide

Module 3: PREVENTION

  • recognition of warning signals, possible escalations towards genocide
  • mechanisms for prevention of genocide including indicators

Module 4: RESTORATION

  • mechanisms for settlements to combat impunity after genocide
  • models for reconciliation after genocide

Approach / Methodology

This course is research-based and inter-disciplinary. It integrates international human rights law with perspectives from other disciplines such as history and political science. The course is also characterized with a comparative and case-based approach.

How to use the course

This course makes use of audio-visual tools such as expert interviews and short documentary films. It also includes some fact boxes and short articles in drop-down menus. At the end of each module, you will find “Questions for reflection” and a section presenting “Additional resources” for further case studies and analysis. These can be applied alone or as a basis for group or classroom discussions. You can also apply what you have learned through a quiz before moving to the next module.

If you don’t finish the course in one session, you can continue later from the same computer and browser you are using now.

Start the course here:
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