PRESS RELEASE
Zoryan Institute
George Shirinian, Executive Director
255 Duncan Mill Rd., Suite 310
Toronto, ON
Canada M3B 3H9
Tel: 416-250-9807 Fax: 416-512-1736
CONTACT: Megan Swan
DATE: February 20, 2009 TEL: 416-250-9807
Announcing the 8th Year of Human Rights and Genocide Course
Toronto, Canada – The International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights
Studies is proud to announce its 8th year of offering the Genocide and Human
Rights University Program (`GHRUP’). This marks the second year the program
is offered in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s History
Department, which provides graduate-level credits for registered students.
Roger W. Smith, the Director of the GHRUP, believes that the program
"thrives on a unique combination of student diversity, commitment, and
faculty expertise. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we deal with the
phenomenon of genocide, why it occurs, how it takes place, who is
responsible, and how it can be prevented. The seminar has been one of the
most satisfying events in my teaching career, now approaching forty years,"
he said.
The program is often described by students as a life-changing experience.
One recent student stated, `The mixture of perspectives and cultures that
make up the student body of this course allow the classroom to be filled
with discussion, and free time to be spent in thought-provoking
conversation. I have learned a great deal from this course, but most
importantly, participating in this course has solidified in my mind the
importance of committing my future to the intervention in, and the eventual
prevention of genocides globally.’
The GHRUP is a comprehensive, graduate-level seminar taught by eight leading
experts in their fields. Incorporating genocide theory, history, sociology,
political science and international law, and through a comparative analysis
of several case studies (such as the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust,
Cambodia, Rwanda, Darfur) and a number of special themes, it explores such
issues as:
– The Foundations of Human Rights
– International Politics and Genocide
– International Law and Genocide
– The Preconditions of Genocide
– Patterns of Genocide
– Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation
– Genocide Denial¬¬
– Genocide Prevention
Prof. Herbert Hirsch of Virginia Commonwealth University is one of the
editors of Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal and
teaches about prevention at the GHRUP. He remarked that `This course is
perhaps the most exciting educational experience available to any person
interested in preventing genocide and protecting human rights. Participants
are given the opportunity to interact with and learn from some of the major
experts in the field. Even more importantly, they meet, form friendships,
and learn from each other.’
Applicants must be current or recent university students with a minimum of
three years of undergraduate experience. Details and registration
information are available on the program’s website,
or by emailing [email protected]. The GHRUP will be held in Toronto,
August 3rd to 14th, 2009.
Students currently registered at the University of Toronto and graduate
students from any university in Ontario may receive credit with no
additional cost in tuition. Undergraduate students registered at other
institutions across the province may make special arrangements for the same
privilege. Students in other jurisdictions who wish to take the course for
credit must make special arrangements with their local institution.
The International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies (A
Division of the Zoryan Institute) is dedicated to the study and
dissemination of knowledge regarding the phenomenon of genocide in all of
its aspects. This is achieved through the GHRUP and publication of Genocide
Studies and Prevention: An International Journal, in partnership with the
International Association of Genocide Scholars and University of Toronto
Press.