PROFILE: Trying to unearth the psychology of genocide
As published on page one of the November 13, 2010 edition of The Keene Sentinel, and online.
Professor James Waller paces as he lectures. His hands jump around in front of his torso, spatially acting out ideas as he speaks. He makes eye contact with his students and calls on them by name.
The projector screen displays the flow charts and bullet points of a social psychologist, and deals in abstract academic language of group identity, cultural constructions and socialization. Speaking to this roomful of undergraduates, however, Waller alternates between lighthearted anecdotes and calm, detailed scenes from some of the most violent and heartbreaking events in human history.
The course title is "Genocide."