Rwanda: A Brief Study of It's History and Politics - Self Paced
During this four week class, learners will engage in a brief history of Rwanda's colonization and independence, the complexities that led to internal conflict, post conflict reconciliation processes and current day prospects for the country
Kirsten Bowman JD
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(767)
Popular
What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
2-4 hours per week. Optional assignments are provided weekly to extend classroom learning.Assessment
If requested, grades and assessments are available. All assignments must be completed in order to receive grade or assessment.Grading
If requested, grades and assessments are available. All assignments must be completed in order to receive grade or assessment.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
This short country study of Rwanda gives learners a chance to engage in a greater understanding of many concepts including colonization and its impact, the independence movement of the African continent and its aftermath, the challenges that colonization left behind, the international politics of civil conflict, the process for countries in rebuilding after civil conflict and the situation of modern African nations today. In week one we will study Rwanda during colonization, the German and Belgian involvement in the country and the colonial division of the Tutsi and Hutu populations. During week two the period of Rwanda's gain of independence and the resulting chaos and ethnic tension will be studied. During week three the lead up to the genocide of 1994 will be addressed as well as a basic overview of the genocide itself. Week four will study the post conflict period of Rwanda, how the country rebuilt and the current state of affairs within the country. This class will use various sources to provide the information to the students, including basic lecture with power points, as well as video and audio materials. Multiple primary sources will be used, many of which tell conflicting stories of the history of Rwanda based on the various perspective of the players who were there. This assists to inform the learner of the complexity of the situation in this small, African country as well as to consider historical perspective more generally and the need to critically analyze information they are receiving. A final project will be due at the conclusion of the class which will ascertain the students ability to critically analyze the information provided and provide the students conclusions on the outlook for Rwanda's future. Multiple primary sources will be used, many of which tell conflicting stories of the history of Rwanda based on the various perspective of the players who were there. This assists to inform the learner of the complexity of the situation in this small, African country as well as to consider historical perspective more generally and the need to critically analyze information you are receiving. Interactive questions and discussion with the class are encouraged, but not required.
Learning Goals
Learners will gain a historical understanding of Rwanda from colonization through independence and into present day.Learners will understand how a genocide was allowed to occur and the international community's role.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Colonization
In week one we will study Rwanda during colonization, the German and Belgian involvement in the country and the colonial division of the Tutsi and Hutu populations. Lesson 2:
Independence
During week two the period of Rwanda's gain of independence and the resulting chaos and ethnic tension will be studied. Lesson 3:
Genocide
During week three the lead up to the genocide of 1994 will be addressed as well as a basic overview of the genocide itself. Lesson 4:
Post-Conflict
Week four will study the post conflict period of Rwanda, how the country rebuilt and the current state of affairs within the country. Other Details
Parental Guidance
The Rwandan genocide was very brutal. While the class will not spend time focusing on the most gruesome aspects of the genocide, learners must understand and be aware that mass atrocity crimes will be discussed within the landscape of the material provided. Some audio visual materials may show disturbing images. This class may not be suited for learners who are particularly sensitive to these sorts of issues.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2018
4.9
767reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a human rights lawyer who spent many years working for the UN Tribunal for Rwanda and lived and became intimately acquainted with the countries rich history and tumultuous past. I believe that Rwanda is important to study to begin to open students eyes to so many global issues, from gaining an understanding of the effects of colonialism, to studying the social warnings of impending atrocities and civil upheaval in a country, to understanding how a country can recover from massive unrest and tragic atrocities being committed, to understanding how ethnic tensions can divide and whether those divisions can be healed, to understanding how post colonial interventions from outside countries can be useful or painful to newly independent countries, this country study is ripe with lessons for the global learner. Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$13
weekly or $50 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 6 learners
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Ages: 13-18
