This course focuses on understanding the historical roots, immediate causes, and the consequences of different instances of collective state-sponsored violence. What can we learn from this monopolization, especially when state sponsored violence? We will emphasize the similarities and contrasts, as well as the concept of genocidal violence as a particularly savage form of state policy. Our study will include four different groups involved in such violence: the killers/oppressors, their victims, the bystanders and the survivors. This material is disturbing for many reasons, of course, but allows us to raise profound questions about human psychology and behavior, and to contrast genocide to the principles of our Christian faith.