Finding a way to deal with a violent past in the aftermath of civil war, the end of an authoritarian regime or occupation, is argued by some to be the basis for lasting peace, democracy and the rule of law. This includes the identification of past human rights violations, the prosecution of perpetrators on a national or international level, the rehabilitation of victims, the establishment of truth commissions, reparation programs, guarantees of non-recurrence and commemoration. Course participants will critically reflect on such processes and assess their effects on society as a whole and on victims and perpetrators in particular.