The Holocaust (349-0-20)

Meeting Info

University Hall 101: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

The purpose of the course is to stimulate a better understanding of the Holocaust in all its ramifications. In pursuing this goal, the course will examine the history of Jewish life and Jewish experience in Europe and Germany. This course also will examine the specific circumstances and historical events that led to the rise of Nazism in the interwar period (1919-1938) as well as the National Socialist seizure of power and the gradual intensification of antisemitic policy.

The course stresses the relationship of Nazi policies and actions regarding Jews to their broader aims of domination, conquest, and subjugation of the whole of Europe. It traces the changes in policy throughout the period from 1933 to 1945 and focuses on the ultimate inauguration of the practice of total annihilation after the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. The course provides insights into how and why these changes occurred when they did, and why those who were victimized by the unfolding disaster were caught unaware.

In dealing with the wartime period, the behavior of three key groups is examined: the perpetrators, the victims, and witnesses. An attempt is made to analyze the action or inaction of all three of these groups in the light of the knowledge available to them at the time, rather than to pass judgment with the benefit of post-Holocaust hindsight. Special attention is given to the types and varieties of resistance manifested by the victims in the face of increasing persecution as well as the issues and problems associated with rescuing the European Jews.

At the conclusion of the course, you will have an understanding of the social, cultural, political, economic, and military developments that led to and shaped the events of the destruction of the European Jews and other racial and political target groups. The quality and depth of intellectual rigor that you bring into the classroom each day will determine the value that you receive from the course and the benefits that accrue to you today and in the future. I look forward to our journey together.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the circumstances in Central and Eastern Europe that led to the rise of both antisemitism and Nazism. • Identify and evaluate the changes in Nazi policy toward the Jews between 1933 and 1945.
• Analyze the scope of the events of the Holocaust and its relation to the military events of World War II. • Analyze the behavior of perpetrators, victims, witnesses, and bystanders during World War II.
• Understand the special attributes and disparate cultures of the various European Jewish communities prior to the start of World War II.
• Comprehend the events of the Holocaust and the influence of Nazi racial aims and actions with respect to the entire range of victims, including Jews, Slavic peoples, Afro-Germans, Sinti and Roma, LGBTQ+, and other persecuted groups.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in written and verbal assignments.

Evaluation Method

Content and Book Quizzes, Discussion Boards, Final Exam

Class Notes

History Major Concentration(s): European
History Minor Concentration(s): Europe

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is restricted to History Majors and Minors only until the end of pre-registration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites (if any)

Associated Classes

DIS - Harris Hall room 101: Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall room 101: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall room 101: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM