Sonoma State University's Holocaust and Genocide Studies Center widens its reach into the understanding of the causes of genocide as it commemorates its 21st anniversary this semester with a series of lectures and programs.
The Center, now an integral part of the sociology department, hosts a series running through May 27 with the theme "Confronting the Past: What Does 'Never Again' Mean?"
Robert Melson, professor of political science at Purdue University, presents an insightful overview and comparison of the Holocaust and the Armenian genocide at a lecture called "Paradigms of Genocide: The Holocaust and Armenian Genocide as Precedents" on March 9 in Warren Auditorium.
Melson, an award-winning author, gained notoriety when he shared his family's story of survival during the Holocaust by masquerading as royalty in his book "False Papers."
The series this year also features lectures on hate crimes, genocide in Rwanda and Kosovo as well as a presentation on the sociology of genocide. The free lectures are held Tuesdays, 4-5:40 p.m. in Warren Auditorium.
The complete schedule of lectures includes:
CONFRONTING THE PAST: WHAT DOES "NEVER AGAIN" MEAN?
Tuesdays, 4-5:40 p.m., Warren Auditorium
Feb. 17: "Holocaust Survivors Panel," Lucille Eichengreen, Lillian Judd, and Bernard Offen
Feb. 24: "Myths of Race and the Influence of Racism on Genocide." Dr. Michael Thaler
Mar. 2: "Sociology of Genocide," Myrna Goodman, Director of Holocaust and Genocide Studies Center, SSU
Mar. 9: "Paradigms of Genocide: The Holocaust and Armenian Genocide as Precedents, " Robert Melson, Purdue University, Robert L. Harris Memorial Lecture
Mar. 16: "Genocide in Rwanda," Mathilde Mukantabana, Consumnes River College; President, Friends of Rwanda Association
Mar. 23: "A Survivor Remembers," William Lowenburg
Mar. 30: "Rescue in Denmark," Knud Dyby
April 13: "Post-Holocaust Writing: Giving Voice to the Silence," Barbara Lecsh McCaffry
April 20: "The Holocaust and Collective Memory in Contemporary Berlin," Jennifer Jordan, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee/United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
April 27: "Kosovo: The Sinti and Roma Experience," Shanti Rafati, President, Voices of Roma
May 4: "Committing Hate: Hate Crime Offenders and Organized Hate Groups," Phyllis Gerstenfeld, California State University, Stanislaus
May 11: "Second Generation Panel," Elaine Leeder, Blair Pleasant, Julia Nemeth
May 27: "What Have We Learned?," Faculty/Student Panel
For further information, contact Myrna Goodman, Director of Holocaust and Genocide Studies Center at (707) 664-4296.
A complete schedule can be found on the Web at www.sonoma.edu/holocaust.
