Asian Studies 2225
Three credit course, June 27- August 8, 2010
Offered in a distance learning format.
Course Description
This course examines various literary, historical and political responses to the Cambodian genocide,
particularly literary testimony by survivors and governmental efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The course considers the limited effectiveness of these responses for addressing the causes and effects of
genocide despite the vow of "Never again".
To pursue these questions, students will read selections from novels and poetry written by Cambodian
survivors, along with historical accounts of the genocide and analyses of attempts by the Cambodian
government and the international community to bring the perpetrators to justice. The course is taught by
Dr. George V. Chigas (M.A. from Cornell University, Ph.D. from the School of Oriental and African Studies
at the University of London). Dr. Chigas was previously the Associate Director of the Cambodian Genocide
Program at Yale University. For more information, please e-mail him at
gvchigas@comcast.net.
Course Structure
Students complete regular assignments using the web and submit homework via e-mail. Students will find
additional support materials, and a discussion board at the course web site. A course packet with the required
readings for the course (in English) will be available to students that have officially registered with the
School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions.
Course Requirements
The final grade is based on online threaded discussions (40%), a midterm paper (20%), and a final paper
(40%). Each week, students are required to read lectures, complete assigned readings and participate in
online discussions. Timely completion of assigned lectures and readings are a prerequisite to participation
in the online discussions.
Credit Options
The course may be taken for three credits.
Microcomputer (Pentium or equivalent, Power Macintosh or better)
High-speed Internet connection (56k modem, Cable or DSL)
An Internet Service Provider, such as AOL, MSN, or other national or local ISP
A web browser such as Netscape, Microsoft Internet Explorer, or other Java capable browser. Netscape
or Internet Explorer must be version 4.0 or greater. Students who need to upgrade their browser will be
given instructions to do so either by downloading from the internet or from the course web site.
Familiarity with using a personal computer, browsing the web and downloading files.
Additional Course Information
For more information about course content contact:
George Chigas
E-mail:gvchigas@comcast.net
Telephone: (617) 803-3307
