Transitional Justice

Semester: 

Fall

Transitional Justice and the Politics of Truth Commissions

Scholars, policymakers, and political leaders have long debated appropriate responses to severe human rights violations that occur during periods of civil conflict, war, and genocide. This course introduces students to interdisciplinary studies in transitional justice and post-conflict reconciliation by focusing on the work of truth and reconciliation commissions. Students will examine key concepts and theoretical perspectives that are central to the field of transitional justice. Drawing on cases such as South Africa, Chile, Peru, Kenya, Liberia, Nepal, Panama, and Canada, the course will critically examine how truth commissions are used to provide accountability for human rights abuses carried out by the state.