Course Description:

For decades, the spread of western culture throughout the world was hailed as enlightenment. It was perceived as refinement being brought to those who lived in ignorance. As the decades passed, however, this narrative began to be questioned. In more modern research, scholars noted that while western culture and technology spread, this spread was also accompanied by the destruction of other cultures, and ultimately, sometimes with genocide. This course will examine the connection between the spread of western culture and genocide. Tragically, there are more genocides connected to this theme than can be explored in one course, and therefore this course is somewhat of a brief survey. Nevertheless, this course will be able to ask the following questions: why did colonialism link to genocide? How does that way of thinking still affect thought patterns today? And what can be done to stop it?

Topic Outline/Schedule:

Week 1, October 9: Overview

Week 2, October 16: Early Americas

Week 3, February 9: California

Week 4, February 16: Early Modern Times

Week 5, February 23: Holocaust

Week 6, March 1: Modern Times