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.