Conceptions of Genocide and Problems in Teaching

The interdisciplinarity, global reach, and conceptual dimensions of genocide studies have made the field one of the most dynamic and ever-shifting fields within the humanities and social sciences.  Such a state of affairs has significant implications for teaching about genocide.  This paper will explore some of the challenges, suggest some possible approaches and seek some new directions by examining the topics of legal developments, the comparative study of genocidal events, the complex issues of intervention, new moral challenges and the ever-growing role (and perhaps even expectations) of activism as a common goal of the field.  Through anecdotes and examples drawn from the classroom new ways of addressing this list of growing challenges will be suggested and examined.