Reflection Paper
Reflection Paper
Outline:
– Students will choose a
current/ongoing conflict in which an international court/tribunal (such as
the ICC) or a domestic court is actively investigating alleged crimes
against humanity. Students can choose from one of the following ongoing
conflicts that apply: A) the Ukraine/Russia war, B) the conflict in
Darfur, C) the conflict in Myanmar, D) the conflict in the Gaza
Strip/Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories.
– Briefly introduce the
chosen conflict (e.g., Ukraine/Russia war, Darfur, Myanmar,
Palestine/Israel).
– State the chosen central
theme from section One- Briefly explain how this theme is relevant to the
chosen conflict.
– Thesis statement:
articulate your main argument about how the conflict deals with this
theme.
Body Paragraphs (Approximately 3.5-4.5 pages)
Section 1: Defining and Explaining the Chosen Theme:
Define “crimes against humanity” as a unique
class of crimes, emphasizing their inexcusable, indefensible, and unforgivable
nature.
– Cite Geras and/or
Robertson texts to support this definition.
– Explore the historical
and philosophical roots of this concept.
– Discuss the evolution of
the concept and its legal recognition.
– Discuss how the legacy
media/social media coverage of your chosen conflict has framed and/or
challenged the historical and philosophical roots of “crimes against
humanity” as a unique class of crimes, emphasizing their inexcusable,
indefensible, and unforgivable nature.
Section 2: Reflecting on the Chosen Theme in the Conflict
– Analyze how the chosen
conflict demonstrates, attends to, questions, or challenges the chosen
theme.
– Provide specific examples
from the conflict to illustrate your points.
– Discuss the impact of the
conflict on the understanding of this theme.
– Explore the moral, legal,
and political complexities surrounding the issue.
– Consider the role of news
coverage and social media in shaping public perception and understanding
of CAH in this specific context.
– Do they reinforce or
challenge the definition of CAH?
Section 3: Personal Reflection
– Share your own thoughts
and feelings about the chosen conflict and its implications for the chosen
theme.
– Reflect on the moral and
ethical dilemmas raised by the conflict.
– Discuss any challenges or
insights gained through your research and analysis.
Conclusion
– Reiterate your main
argument about how the conflict deals with the chosen theme.
– Briefly summarize the key
takeaways from your reflection.
– Consider the broader
implications of your findings for international law and the pursuit of
justice.
– Offer any concluding
thoughts or suggestions for further research.
Works Cited
– Include all cited sources
in MLA or APA format (including page numbers for every in-text citation).
– Ensure that all sources
are academically credible (scholarly journal articles or books).
– Include at least two
external sources.
