Teaching Historic Trauma: Centering the generational trauma of Khmer youth

The purpose of this independent study is to create a curriculum draft focused on teaching historic trauma to Khmer youth who may be experiencing secondhand trauma. The genocide of the Cambodian people occurred between 1975-1979. This genocide killed off about one third of the population. Intellectuals, culture, and traditional practices were what the communist, extreme nationalist leader wanted to destroy in order to create a 'Year One' and have lives of civilians be focuses primarily on agriculture. People died from murder, starvation, malnutrition, bombings, and etc. The population that this curriculum will center is that of the generation that came to be after survivors of this genocide found 'refuge' in the United States. The curriculum will include components of historical teachings and narratives about the genocide including American imperialism and it's role in this era in Cambodia, political standpoints in the country during the time, personal narratives from survivors, and personal narratives of first generation Khmer-Americans.