The term “genocide” was coined in the 1940s, although genocides have occurred repeatedly since the beginning of time. Why? And what exactly is a genocide? What is the difference between physical genocide and cultural genocide? This course will spend time examining the history of the term and considering multiple case studies both from ancient times and more modern centuries––including analyzing whether or not the current war in Ukraine involves genocide.

Part 1 will discuss the origin of the word "genocide" and then consider the retroactive application of that term on massacres and violence before the middle of the 20th century. It will discuss possible genocides in the Bible and the application of genocide to the history of the United States and North America.

Part 2 will review the official UN definition of genocide and will then examine modern genocides, touching on the Holocaust, Yugoslavia in the 1990s, and discussing whether or not the current war in Ukraine connects to genocide.
(These lectures can be taken independently of each other.)

Jason Hensley, PhD, teaches religious studies at a private school in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade Holocaust Education Institute of the Anti-Defamation League, a member of Civic Spirit's teacher education cohort, and the award-winning author of 10 books. His work has been featured in The Huffington Post as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical advisor for a Holocaust documentary.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.