Introduction
Why study the Holocaust? It is not merely an event that occured more than half-a-century ago. In recounting these events, the Holocaust is an example of what can happen when people hate, something that unfortunately is not limited to any one time or place. By studying the Holocaust, then, and examining the universal issues it raises, one can explore a wide range of themes and concerns that adhere to our own society.
These concerns do not negate the uniqueness of the Holocaust. First, there is an obvious moral imperative. No other genocide has been conducted in such a calculating and systematic fashion. The modern state and technology combined to produce an event of unparalleled horror.
This introductory course on The Holocaust will explore the roles of the perpetrators, victims, and bystanders during this horrific period.
Topics will include:
- history of anti-Semitism
- the Nazi rise to power
- how the Nazis came to exterminate many peoples, including the bulk of the Jewish population of Europe
- world wide complicity in anti-semitism
- a variety of other topics
We will closely examine our own moral understandings in light of the realities of genocide in the 20th century. It is crucial that, through the examination of the extreme results of prejudice and ethnocentrism, we begin to understand our individual and corporate responsibilities for moral and ethical acceptance of diverse peoples and perspectives.
Students do not require any previous knowledge to participate in this course. A sufficient amount of background information will be provided for everyone to take part.
The discussion board will be an important part of this course, as we comment on, debate, and discuss questions arising from our studies. You should also keep a journal for reflection questions and reactions.
Lessons
Click here to see course syllabus
