Comments from Graduates
"I was impressed with the diversity of ideas amongst the students, and I believe that contributed wonderfully to the quality and effectiveness of the course."
"It was great finally having a forum in which to discuss in depth, ideas, questions or comments on a topic which all the students are interested in and through which we all learned even from each other… we are fortunate to have an Institute such as Zoryan, dedicated to the purely academic, unbiased discussion and teaching of these topics. Thank you."
"I had expected another monument to the dead. They proved me completely and utterly wrong. The Genocide and Human Rights seminar was a forum for the living, a place for discussion and debate. In the midst of this forward-looking spirit of exchange between Armenians and non-Armenians, there is way no way for anyone not to fit in."
"This course has enlightened my understanding of all genocides and has given me the knowledge to teach what I have learned."
"I reminisce about the course every day…it was a great experience for me in many ways-educationally, in helping me decide about my future, and socially as well. To see a group of students like myself unite for a certain cause (and be from all over the world) is truly inspiring."
"The experience was an immense one. Student discussions beyond the classroom inspired me a great deal. Emotionally and intellectually, I am leaving this course with more drive….You can not learn about genocide and leave it be; at least I feel as though this is something I must continue-a responsibility of some sort to use my knowledge."
"…even more options within the field of genocide studies have been brought to my attention through this course."
"I've never learned so much in such a short period of time, and, more importantly, been so motivated to action by what I've learned."
"I truly appreciate the scholarship you gave me as it allowed me to have this experience that I will never forget. Not only has my knowledge base in the subject area of genocide increased, but the program has inspired me to further pursue this interest of
mine in Human Rights and Genocide in my future academic career."
Ziya Meral, a student from Turkey completing his MS in Sociology at the London School of Economics, observed that "the GHRUP offers a brilliant opportunity for everyone who is interested in deepening their understanding of the phenomenon of genocide and ways we can work for its prevention. Its high academic standard, friendly and encouraging atmosphere provide a great setting to tackle and process one of the most destructive sides of human existence. I would thoroughly encourage anyone with a background in genocide, reconciliation, peace and human rights studies, or with an interest in working in the field, to consider applying this program."
Mariam Matevosyan, a MA student from Armenia specializing in Peace and Conflict Transformation in Norway, stated that “the debate on the French bill penalizing the denial of the Armenian genocide and its political, psychological, and sociological impact for Armenians, Turks and European at large, was especially of interest to me given the incredible tension generated in the class due to the clashing priorities between legal mechanism to deter denial verse the need to protect freedom of speech and expression. These sensitive and emotional issues were dealt with in an academic setting providing a solid intellectual context which interconnected history, narrative, identity, and politics.”