Crimes against Humanity (Aut) (L5103A)
Crimes against Humanity (Aut)
Module L5103A
Module details for 2022/23.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
Why are human beings capable of extreme forms of cruelty and violence? The module takes an interdisciplinary approach to reflect on how, in times of conflict, it is possible for previously law abiding people to commit the most atrocious acts of cruelty and violence. Crimes against humanity have only recently caught the attention of criminologists and the module provides students with in-depth information on the origins and dynamics of such crimes. The module discusses the work of influential social theorists, psychologists, criminologists, psychoanalysts and philosophers and particular attention will be focused on the work of Erich Fromm (Escape from Freedom), Hannah Arendt (Eichmann in Jerusalem), Zygmunt Bauman (Modernity and the Holocaust) and Ernest Becker (Escape from Evil). In addition to contemplating the driving force of aggression, conflict and mass violence, the module also addresses the psychological trauma experienced by victims as well as considering the role of both internal and external bystanders. The lectures and seminars cover a variety of perspectives and these approaches will be discussed in relation to particular case studies and empirical research. The overall aim of this module is to introduce students to a range of psychoanalytical, psychological, sociological and criminological reflections on mass violence, psychological trauma and atrocity.
Module learning outcomes
Systematically understand the main fundamental insights produced by philosophy and social theory into the phenomena of crimes against humanity.
Develop and sustain theoretical and conceptual arguments about crimes against humanity and reconciliation
Review and make independent judgements about the strengths and weaknesses of different perspectives, critically evaluating their uncertainties and ambiguities.
Explain and critically evaluate connections between different theoretical approaches
Assimilate and evaluate evidence from case studies of mass atrocity in order to comment on current research in relation to these.
Critically evaluate literature on crimes against humanity to make judgments about how these can be reconciled or restituted.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (6000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Thu 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111011111 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111011111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr James Hardie-Bick
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/27963
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