Our school library learning commons is developing a collection of learning resources to support students learning about genocides as part of the Genocide Studies 12 course.  Students need to find and work with high quality information in order to research genocides throughout history and around the world.

Finding Quality Research Sources

Begin your research by reviewing the books in our school library learning commons on your topic.  Use the library catalogue to look for books about genocides in general and the particular event(s) that interest you.  As you find useful research sources please help us build our collection for future classes by adding your comments on this form. Consider the following criteria as you review sources of information about your topic.

Historical accuracy and context

The source:

• Is based on strong historical research;
• Avoids distortion, oversimplification, or denial;
• Helps students understand broader patterns and causes of genocide/incidents of mass violence.

Relevance

The source:

• Is engaging and encourages critical thinking;
• Includes developmentally appropriate language and format;
• Includes visual content that is age-appropriate and avoids graphic or sensational content.

Nuance, complexity, and inquiry

The source:

• Avoids romanticizing or oversimplifying history;
• Encourages analysis of bias, moral dilemmas, and context;
• Uses precise, respectful, and accurate language.

Cultural representation and identity

The source:

• Includes voices and perspectives of those affected;
• Avoids stereotyping and “victim-only” framing;
• Honours the cultural and historical context of communities represented.

(These criteria were adapted from the Minnesota Department of Education’s Social Studies Standards for the Holocaust, Genocide of Indigenous Peoples, and Other Genocides, developed by the Education on the Holocaust, Genocide of Indigenous Peoples, and Other Genocides Working Group)

Research Sources to Explore

As well as research tools available through our school library learning commons Research Toolkit consider using the following sources:

• Genocide Watch
• Human Rights Watch
• University of Southern California Shoah Foundation: Collections
• University of Minnesota Holocaust and Genocide Education Resources
• Studying Genocide (also available in French)
• CBC Gem. (2019). Colonization Road.
• Facing History and Ourselves. Stolen Lives: The Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the Indian Residential Schools. 
• Zoryan Institute: Genocide Education in High Schools
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: Education Resources
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: Country Case Studies 

To find other good sources check out this new guide to better searching using Google.

Citations

Track your sources and record the information you will need to Cite it Right when putting together your reference list in APA format.

Guided Inquiry

As you immerse yourself in information and explore, build background knowledge, connect to content and discover interesting ideas record your notes using the Note-Taking Template.