LLS 356 Terror and Transitional Justice in Latin America

3 hours 

This course explores the field of transitional justice as it addresses past state violence and genocide. The course will move from an exploration of background material examining the Cold War years in Latin America to providing an in-depth analysis of the role played by truth commissions, and other strategies such as war tribunals, which seek justice and reconciliation in divided societies. We will question the root causes of violence, examine national and transnational actors, and conclude with a discussion of research methodologies used when documenting human rights abuses. The question of "forgiveness" will be also explored in the context of redress for wrongdoings.