PSC 300-01 – Kellam

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PSC 300-01 – Kellam Political Science 300 - The Politics of Genocide Tuesday & Thursday 11:00-12:15 Instructor: Lynda Kellam Phone or text: 336-303-8104 Office: 106C Jackson Library Office Hours: Tuesdays, 10:00-11:00 & by appointment Email: [email protected] Calendar: http://meetme.so/lyndakellam Course Description Millions have perished from genocidal violence throughout the world, and yet few understand this complex and controversial subject. This course will introduce students to the primary questions in the study of genocide: how should we define genocide? What are the theories explaining when genocide happens? Is each case unique or can we identify patterns across cases? What are effective mechanisms for justice? How can genocide be prevented? What is the role of the international community or a specific state in preventing genocide? How are genocides remembered and portrayed? In this course we will first discuss the legal definition of genocide and the development of the Genocide Convention. Next, we will consider some of the theories of genocide from political science and psychology. Then, we will move into case studies of genocide, including Armenia, the Holocaust, Cambodia, the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and Darfur. We will finish by looking at questions of intervention, justice, and prevention. Learning Outcomes x Students will describe and evaluate the major theories of genocide. x Students will investigate and compare major 20th century genocides. x Students will analyze international responses to various genocides. x Students will explore themes of the memory and justice in relation to genocide. x Students will examine in-depth an additional case study of genocide. Required Texts The following books are available for purchase at the bookstore and from Amazon: x Power, Samantha. 2002. A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide. HarperCollins Publishers. x Gourevitch, Philip. 1999. We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families: Stories from Rwanda. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. Additional required readings are available on Blackboard under “Additional Readings”. You must have access to the books and readings for the course. Readings will be discussed on the day assigned in the schedule below. Course Requirements Your grade will be based on the following components: Research Project 470 points Mid-term exam 100 points Final exam 200 points Readings Responses 100 points Film Series 30 points Participation 100 points Total 1000 points Research Project You will write an 8-10 page paper on a specific aspect of a case of genocide. We will discuss the assignment requirements more in class. The research project will be broken down into several parts: paper topic (20 points), annotated bibliography (100 points), draft of paper (50 points), final paper (200 points), and one Three Minute Thesis presentation of research topic (100 points). The due dates are listed in the schedule. We will meet with our class librarian, Jenny Dale, to begin preparing for the assignment on February 24. Exams You will have two exams. The midterm will be in-class only. The second exam will have both an in-class and a take-home component. They will be a mix of identifications, short-answer questions, and essays. Reading Responses You will submit reading responses by 8:00 am most Thursdays of class. Under Assignments in Blackboard you will see a submission form where you may attach your response. These short essays should be 300-600 words in a Word- compatible document (typed, single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font) summarizing the main point(s) of the reading, reflecting on connections to past readings, providing your critical reflections, and posing at least one comment or question for discussion in class. Some weeks I will also provide questions on Blackboard to consider for the reading. I will grade these for thoroughness of response, demonstration of reading, and legibility of writing. Use these responses to help you prepare for the midterm and final exams. I will drop the lowest reading response grade. Film series We will have a film series during the course with a mix of documentary and feature films. You need to watch and review at least three films to get full credit. Additional reviews of films from the list below will count as 10 points extra credit for each review. All films except for Watchers of the Sky are on reserve in the library for our class. I will also provide a viewing for each during in the semester. You can either watch it on your own or come to the viewing. For each film, you need to write a brief summary (no more than 200 words) and your review/reflection on the movie. You need to also relate the movie to the class readings or discussion. Under Assignments in Blackboard you will see a submission form where you may attach your response. These should be 300-600 words (typed, single- spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font) and submitted through Blackboard. I will grade these for thoroughness of summary and response and legibility of writing. Ararat (2002): Viewing on 1/22; Review due by 2/3 Killing Fields (1984): Viewing on 2/26; Review due by 3/17 No Man’s Land (2001): Viewing on 3/19; Review due by 3/31 Shake Hands with the Devil (2004): Viewing on 4/2; Review due by 4/14 The Devil Came on Horseback (2007): Viewing on 4/16; Review due by 4/21 Watchers of the Sky (2015): Viewing TBD – This film is not confirmed yet, but might be a possibility. Participation This course is designed to focus on discussion of the material. Therefore, participation is required and essential to the class. After each class I will score your participation with the maximum of 5 points (come to class prepared and makes thoughtful contributions). If you are disruptive or disengaged, or use your cellphone inappropriately, you will receive a 0 for the day. You must bring a copy of the appropriate readings, paper, and pen/pencil to every class. Do not rely on our wireless connection to access Blackboard readings in class. The wireless will fail you every time. Attendance Attendance is mandatory. Three absences are allowed in the course (I do not differentiate unexcused and excused). After three absences, I will deduct ten points from your total grade for each absence. In addition, arriving late and leaving early are disruptive to the classroom. Three late arrivals or early exits will equal one of your absences. Letter grades will be assigned using the following scale: A 93% and higher; B- 80-82.99; D+ 67-69.99; A- 90-92.99; C+ 77-79.99; D 63-66.99; B+ 87-89.99; C 73-76.99; D- 60-62.99; B 83-86.99; C- 70-72.99; F 59.99 and below 2 Class Guidelines Contacting me: You have many ways to contact me (see first page of syllabus). Typically I will respond to emails within 24-48 hours. I will not discuss grades through email. Late work: I do not accept late work. Contact me before an assignment is due if you have potential conflicts affecting your ability to complete an assignment. Student behavior: No disruptive behavior will be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to cell phone use (including texting), inappropriate language, side conversations, and being disrespectful to your classmates. In addition, we will sometimes discuss topics that are politically sensitive or inflammatory, and I expect you to handle these discussions in a mature manner. This is a cell phone free classroom. Students who keep their cell phones out in class perform poorly on exams and reading quizzes, therefore it is in your interest to avoid using your cell phone at all costs. If you have your cell phone out in class, I will deduct points from your participation grade. You may use a laptop or iPad to take notes ONLY, but you must sit near the front of the classroom. If you violate this policy, you will lose your privilege to bring a device. Recording of lectures and classroom discussions is not allowed. If you have a documented reason for recording, you must ask for permission in advance. You may not use any cell phones or other digital devices during the exams. You will receive an automatic zero on the exam if you use or have out a cell phone or other digital device. ESL students with translators must have them pre-approved by me. Students with Special Academic Needs: UNCG seeks to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for students who require accommodations. Students requesting accommodations based on a disability must be registered with the Office of Disability Services in 215 EUC. For more information, see the ODS website (http://ods.dept.uncg.edu/). Academic Honesty/Integrity I have high expectations of student conduct at UNCG and expect all students to abide by UNCG’s Academic Integrity Policy. I take any violations of this policy seriously. Please review the Academic Integrity Policy website (http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu/). You will submit your papers to SafeAssign to check for plagiarism. This system also checks your papers against papers that have already been submitted or are available online elsewhere. Schedule (subject to change as needed) I. Introduction Tuesday, 1/13: Introduction to the course and syllabus II. Armenian Genocide Thursday, 1/15: Background Reading: Samantha Power, A Problem from Hell, Preface & Chapter 1 Due: Reading response 1 due on Blackboard by 8:00 am Tuesday, 1/20: Responses Reading: Suny, Ronald Grigor. 1993. “Rethinking the Unthinkable: Toward an Understanding of the Armenian Genocide.” Looking toward Ararat: Armenia in Modern History.
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