Comprehending the incomprehensible

The word genocide immediately evokes images of the mass murder of Jews during World War II. But there are more twentieth-century examples of genocide: during World War I, Armenians were systematically persecuted and murdered, and more recently during the civil war in Rwanda Tutsis and moderate Hutus were also the victims of genocide. Is this kind of devastation a typical phenomenon resulting from twentieth-century genocidal ideology? The programme Holocaust and Genocide Studies, which is part of the MA in History, attempts to explore this question.

Studying Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Amsterdam

The Master's programme Holocaust and Genocide Studies is unique in the Netherlands.

• The courses are provided by the new Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Amsterdam and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, established in the Netherlands Institute for War Documentation.

• The curriculum is organised in an interdisciplinary manner: 20th-century genocides are examined from the vantage point of different disciplines. Holocaust and Genocide Studies takes a content-based approach to the phenomenon of genocide.

In addition, attention is paid to research into how later generations have interpreted different cases of genocide. Typical 20th-century aspects are examined, such as mass mobilisation, the role of bureaucracy, the function of media and the prosecution of those responsible for genocide.

Degree certificate

Holocaust and Genocide Studies is an accredited degree programme of History. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in History and the title Master of Arts (MA).