79-145 Genocide and Weapons of Mass Destruction
9 units, Carnegie Mellon University
"Genocide" and "weapons of mass destruction" are being invoked a lot in the media, by governments, and even on the Fence on campus—as accusation or justification for action. What do they mean? Why was it necessary to invent them? How do we know when we are being confronted with them? What should we do then? This course investigates the history of genocide, weapons of mass destruction, and related phenomena to teach you what to look out for that turn ordinary people into mass killers. Can you imagine being responsible for hundreds, thousands, or even millions of deaths? No? Almost everyone who ended up committing unspeakable atrocities had not been able to either. In fact, many of them still would not face their responsibility even after their complicity had been proven. Some convinced themselves, often sincerely, that there was no choice or that someone else was responsible. Others found reasons to justify, in their minds at least, taking many lives. Still others managed to forget that they had blood on their hands. How could anyone do such terrible things? More importantly, can you be sure that you would not act like them under similar circumstances? You will explore why conflicts break out and potential solutions. You will also learn to see from multiple perspectives and to be humble before history. We will debate the importance of intention, the quest for historical truth, the role of institutions or individuals in atrocities, and the possibility of arms proliferation for peace. By the end, you will have grasped the historical facts and contemporary concepts of genocide and weapons of mass destruction. You will also come to appreciate the significance of unintended consequences and the ambiguity of human progress, a realization that will guide you in life. This course meets the Dietrich Gen Ed "Perspectives on Justice and Injustice" requirement. PS: None of the content of this course was generated with AI.
Prerequisites: none listed
Offered: Fall 2026, Fall 2025
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