Genocide Studies 12 Course Outline
Teacher: Ms. Inkster
Class Website: msinksterteaches.weebly.com
Course Overview:
Through a project based approach and a focus on inquiry, Genocide Studies 12 will analyze
targeted mass murder by studying the economic, political, social, and cultural conditions of
genocide. Study will focus on 6 major world events: the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust,
and genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. Course content will be delivered
through novel study, film, testimonial, forensics, lecture, and discussion. This course will
reveal that despite many international efforts to contain this form of mass violence, genocides
remain one of the most enduring challenges of humanity.
Novel Study: Eli Wiesel’s “Night” (subject to change)
Film Study: Film will form an integral part of this course. The titles that could be
included, but are not limited to are:
Schindler’s List (Holocaust) Sand and Sorrow (Darfur)
One Day in Auschwitz (Holocaust) The Promise (Armenian)
Shake Hands with the Devil (Rwandan) First They Killed My Father (Cambodia)
Key Elements of the Course:
Unit 1: Origins and Conditions of Genocide
Origins and development of the term genocide
The 8/10 stages of genocide as per the Convention for the Prevention and Punishment
of the Crime of Genocide.
Role of the UN Security Council and General Assembly
Unit 2: Events of Mass Killing Worldwide
Act of mass violence worldwide in the form of the following genocides:
Armenian (1915)
The Holocaust (1933)
Cambodian (1975)
Rwandan (1990)
Darfur (2003)
Unit 3: Cultural Genocide
Colonial attempts to assimilate the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada through cultural
extinction
The extermination of the Beothuk First Nations of Newfoundland, Canada
Unit 4: International Law, Evidence, Prevention, and Reconciliation
Evidence used to demonstrate the scale and nature of genocide
International law enforcement
Methods used to combat the existence of genocide
Modern violence and hatred
Evaluation:
Students are evaluated on an on-going basis. All submitted work that is graded is cumulative
and will be counted towards final marks. Each student has the ability to be successful in this
course; in most cases, success is simply a choice and involves a sincere effort.
Course Evaluation Breakdown:
Tests & Quizzes: 20%
Assignments Classwork: 30%
Inquiry Circles: 30%
Final Exam/Inquiry: 20%
Expectations: Courtesy – Respect – Responsibility
1. EXTRA HELP: I’m always willing to help you out. Make an appointment; check before or
after school or at an appropriate time in the class.
2. ABSENCES/SKIPPING: Absences must be reported to the office prior to missing the
class whenever possible. Extended absences will require a note and homework should be
requested. If you have chosen to skip the course, meaning the absence is not excused and there
is no reasonable explanation, you will not receive the work you have missed while skipping the
course. If there is a test scheduled that day, you will receive a zero.
3. TESTS: Advance notice will be given for all major tests. There may be some surprise
quizzes given once and a while. If you miss a test due to an excused absence, you will be
expected to write it ASAP at a time we discuss.
5. USE OF TECHNOLOGY: At NO TIME will it be appropriate to have your phone out
while I am speaking. We will touch on when there is an appropriate time. At no time will it be
appropriate to have headphones in during class unless specifically directed.
6. FOOD and DRINK: You may have food and drink in the classroom to an extent. I will not
accept energy drinks in the classroom and you may have a snack ONLY if I see that you can
clean up after yourself after.
7. INQUIRY CIRCLES: The skill of inquiry will be developed throughout the course.
Students will be separated into inquiry groups. Every 2 weeks students will be assigned a
topic and will be expected to come up with an interest-based question on this topic on the
Thursday of the second week. On Monday of the following week, students will be expected to
provide 1 primary source and a thorough answer to their question with copies to provide to
their group members. They will present the answer to their question to their inquiry group.
1st WEEK OF A TOPIC: The first week will be focused on historical information and context
of a genocide or topic.
2nd WEEK OF A TOPIC on THURSDAYS: You will form your inquiry question on this day.
Time will be given for some preliminary research.
THE FOLLOWING MONDAY: You will be presenting your inquiry results on this day and
then the new topic will begin on that Tuesday.
