PRESS RELEASE
ZORYAN INSTITUTE OF CANADA, INC.
Suite 310
Toronto, ON, Canada M3B 3H9
Tel: 416-250-9807
Fax: 416-512-1736
E-mail: [email protected]
DATE: February 27, 2008
CONTACT: Aren Sarikyan
STUDENTS COMPETE FOR ENROLLMENT IN HUMAN RIGHTS AND GENOCIDE COURSE
Toronto, Canada – The International Institute for Genocide and Human
Rights Studies has already received ten applications from several
countries for its Genocide and Human Rights University Program. "This is
remarkable," said Executive Director, George Shirinian, "as we have not
yet released the course syllabus or faculty list for 2008."
There is no doubt that attending the program can be a profound
experience, or as one student described it "an immense one." She
continued to say that "discussions beyond the classroom inspired me a
great deal. Emotionally and intellectually, I am leaving this course
with more drive.You cannot learn about genocide and leave it be – I must
continue, I feel a responsibility to use my knowledge." It is this
message, being spread by more than 175 students and scores of professors
over the past seven years that leads students from all over the world to
line up in order to participate in this program and engage in a
systematic study of genocide and the means of its prevention.
The GHRUP is a comprehensive, graduate-level seminar taught by nine
leading experts in their fields. Incorporating genocide theory, history,
sociology, political science and international law, it explores through
a comparative analysis of major case studies and special themes such
issues as:
. The Foundations of Human Rights
. The Causes of Genocide
. The Methodologies of Genocide
. The Consequences of Genocide
. Genocide and International Law
. Genocide Denial
. Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation
. Genocide Prevention
"We always hear that that this pioneering and comparative course, and
working with the top scholars, empowers and prepares students to be able
to teach the subject to others," Torrey Swan, Program Coordinator said.
"Consequently we have seen many continue on in the field as scholars,
educators, activists, and policy-makers."
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]. There
are a limited number of scholarships available. The course is available
to University of Toronto students for three graduate semester credits
and similar arrangements may be made with other institutions. The GHRUP
will be held in Toronto, July 28-August 8, 2008.
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.