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Truth and Historical Injustice: Techniques for Producing Knowledge about Past Mass Atrocities
Wahrheit und historisches Unrecht: Die Herstellung von Wissen über vergangene Massenverbrechen
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:38
Abstract
The course deals with the production of knowledge about past mass atrocities. It looks at various techniques used in this endeavour, their possibilities and limitations. And it explores the question of what truth means in this context.
Objective
Students will: a) be familiar with the main points of the debate on truth in the reconstruction of past events; b) have a basic knowledge of selected techniques that are relevant to the production of knowledge about past mass atrocities; c) have an understanding of the interaction, but also the coexistence, of different technical means and scientific methods in the multidisciplinary production of knowledge about past atrocities.
Content
The production of knowledge about past mass crimes has always been an endeavour involving various academic disciplines and technical means. The multidisciplinary nature of knowledge production about mass atrocities has become even more pronounced since the second half of the 20th century, not least due to the emergence of new technical possibilities. With regard to societies, the production of knowledge about massive historical injustices that have been committed in the past is considered a basic prerequisite for peaceful coexistence in democratic and constitutional conditions in the present. With regard to the truthfulness of scientific engagement with the past, politically and ideologically motivated atrocities in particular are seen as events that should prove the necessity of a claim to truth. The course offers a short introduction to the discussion on the significance of knowledge and truth about past events, as well as to institutionalised forms of dealing with mass atrocities, such as criminal courts or truth commissions. On this basis, it focuses on different techniques used to generate knowledge about these atrocities: from methods of evaluating written and visual documents and taking testimonies, to specialised database programmes and genetic analysis, to open source investigation methods that use social media posts and internet data to gather information. In addressing these questions, the lecture looks at processes of dealing with the past from the mid-20th century to the 21st century in Europe, Latin America and Africa. A follow-up course is planned for a subsequent semester, which will deal more specifically and also in a practical manner with the means of open source investigation in this field.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DS , DR , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 170
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Wahrheit und historisches Unrecht: Die Herstellung von Wissen über vergangene Massenverbrechen | No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Additional Elective Courses (These Electives may be chosen from the start of the Bachelor Study Programme.)
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Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )