Making History in Armenian Studies (Winter 07)

by GK

Doctor Richard G. Hovannisian.

Depending on who you are, this man is either an award-winning and esteemed pioneer in the field of Armenian studies, or your worst nightmare during finals week at UCLA.

Those who have had the pleasure of being a student in one of Professor Hovannisian’s classes know very well that this is not a professor who will hand out an “easy A.”
And why should he when it comes to such a weighty, even sensitive, topic as Armenian history?

After all, Doctor Hovannisian was learning at a time where the field of Armenian studies out was just in its infancy, saying “I taught myself Armenian history.” It is no surprise that he was the first Armenian Education Foundation Endowed Chair in Modern Armenian History at UCLA, where he has taught since 1962.

Being self-taught seems to be an indication of this Professor’s passion for the field he studies and researches, although he is no longer active in the latter.

He has spent forty years writing about and researching the independent, Armenian Republic of 1918-1920, bringing it out of the shadows. He has also released four volumes on the Armenian Genocide, a topic which he felt he was drawn into because of denial.

One of his more impressive accomplishments is that he learned Armenian in Lebanon at the age of 22, studying up to 20 hours a day for a year.

Doctor Hovannisian has an “appreciation of Armenian survival” and teaches using an “approach that is comprehensible” while trying to make the material interesting.

Focusing on lessons of the past, Hovannisian applies this to the present and future as a universal message. He also feels that these courses on Armenian history evoke a sense of legitimacy. Hovannisian has also done important work with educators, teaching them how to incorporate the Armenian Genocide in their curriculum.

Students of Armenian heritage as well as non-Armenians in his classes cannot help but to appreciate the depth of the course material.

Doctor Hovannisian can even be compared to a celebrity in his field judging by his many television appearances, university speeches as a genocide scholar, and worldwide lectures. He thoroughly enjoys traveling and has been all over the world from India, to Africa, and even Australia, being in touch with the Armenian communities.

So, for those students worrying about Hovannisian’s final should instead think about whom the professor’s torch will be passed to as an educator, researcher and inspiration- not only to his pupils, but to the Armenian community at large.