What will I learn on this module?
In this module I will analyse how ideas of genocide have evolved throughout the twentieth century. I will be encouraged to consider the political and legal consequences of genocides, and to engage with the socio/cultural/ethno/economic/religious explanations that some key thinkers have forwarded as being causal factors of genocide. I will also examine how policymakers have grappled with the problem of preventing and stopping genocides once they have begun.
How will I learn on this module?
Being a Level 6 module, I will be responsible for my learning. I will attend lectures where I will be presented with the ideas behind these institutions that deal with questions of genocide (why we have them), how they work (institutions) and what they do (policy). I will also attend seminars where I will build upon my reading for the lectures and where I will discuss what I think are the significance of these international institutions that are charged with preventing genocides. In the seminars for this module, I will engage with the academic literature on genocide and will use this literature to understand episodes of genocide.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
My academic development will be facilitated through engagement with the academic literature and by talking with my peers and academics about my understanding of the literature. I expect to have my notions of international institutions challenged in this module. I will also use seminars and tutorials to further enrich my learning experience.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
At the end of this module I will have learned about:
1. The historical understanding of the concept of genocide and how the key theorists have described genocides
2. How policymakers have attempted to prevent and stop genocides once they have begun
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
At the end of this module I will be able to:
3. Discuss how the concept of genocide is contested in the academic literature
4. Compare and contrast episodes often described as genocides and to draw synergies between them
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
At the end of this module I will have enhanced the following skills:
5. To gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of sources;
How will I be assessed?
Through a process of scaffolding introduced in the lectures and built upon in the seminars, the assignment will assess how successfully I have been able to understand and critique the global political institutions charged with preventing and stopping genocide that have been introduced in this module. I will have the opportunity to present my work in the seminars and will receive formative feedback from my lecturer on any presentation I might make
The assessment (3,500 word assignment). will test the knowledge I have produced within this module. Seminars will be of crucial importance because it is in the seminars where I will have the opportunity to discuss my understanding of the theoretical and policy literature. Again, the lecturer will give me formative feedback on my discussions.
Pre-requisite(s)
n/a
Co-requisite(s)
n/a
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code L2L2
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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