Zoryan Institute Announces 10th Annual Genocide & Human Rights University Program

TORONTO, CANADA — The International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies is now receiving applications for the 2011 Genocide and Human Rights University Program (”GHRUP”). The program, now in its 10th year, is a comprehensive, two-week, 65-hour graduate-level seminar taught by ten leading experts in their fields. It uses a comparative and multi-disciplinary approach, incorporating genocide theory, history, sociology, political science and international law.
The program is offered in collaboration with the University of Toronto, which allows registered students to earn graduate-level credits.
“This course has always been a unique opportunity for students to experience a broad comparative perspective on genocide.” said Prof. Roger W. Smith, Director of the GHRUP. “We are continuing to build on our experience, and are very proud that among the faculty we have not only some of the foremost scholars in their respective fields, but also individuals who are active in international efforts to both document and prevent genocide around the world. During the program, students and faculty form a solid basis for further interaction and cooperation. I will be pleased this summer to see our tradition of developing a new generation of scholars to engage in genocide research and publication, continue to grow. The impact of the seminar extends far beyond the two week duration of the course.”
Some 250 students have completed the course. One graduate described the experience this way: “A great mix of interests provided for a broad range of topics that went beyond the printed topic list. It allowed all of the passion of our group to come out, as well as provide a mix of perspectives.”
Through a comparative analysis of several case studies (such as the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, Darfur) and a number of special themes, the GHRUP explores such issues as:
· The Development of Human Rights and Its Relation to Genocide
· Causes of Genocide
· Patterns of Genocide
· Women, Children and Genocide
· International Law and Genocide
· Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation
· Genocide Denial­­
· Genocide Prevention
The aim of the program is to provide students with the intellectual framework for understanding the numerous, complex issues related to genocide as a universal human experience. It is well suited for motivated students, passionate about human rights and interested in pursuing careers in fields such as genocide research, teaching, international criminal law and journalism.
Applicants must be current or recent university students with a minimum of three years of successful undergraduate experience. Details and registration information are available on the program’s website, www.genocidestudies.org or by emailing admin@genocidestudies.org. The GHRUP will be held in Toronto, August 1 to 12, 2011. Students are urged to send in their applications as early as possible, especially international students requiring visas.
The International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (A Division of the Zoryan Institute) is dedicated to scholarly research and dissemination of knowledge regarding the phenomenon of genocide in all of its aspects, to create an awareness of it as an ongoing scourge, and promote the necessity of preventing it.