SOC3205 - 01 - Crimes Against Humanity

This course examines crimes against humanity from a sociological perspective. Crimes against humanity are consistent and widespread atrocities condoned by a government or de facto authority. This course will discuss the links between these crimes and the social stratification of different societies along the lines of gender, race/ethnicity and social class. Students will analyze crimes against humanity such as murder, extermination, torture, human trafficking, sexual slavery, the enforced disappearance of persons and the crime of apartheid. The course also explores the work of institutions that fight crimes against humanity, especially Interpol, the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in South Africa. The course also takes a close look at how civilians and non-governmental organizations mobilize to fight crimes against humanity.