History 3427E: 002 The Holocaust

Course Description

In this course, we examine the destruction of European Jewry (1933-1945). We will explore the origins of Nazi policy and persecution within the complexities of the late nineteenth and twentieth century, and consider the immediate effects and long-term impact of this episode. Major themes will include the emergence of the Jewish Question, the impact of World War One, the surge of political and racial and anti-Semitism during the Interwar period, the rise of the Nazis to power, the "final solution," and the varied responses of European states and society and European Jewry. In addition to midterm and final exams, students will write a 7-10 page term paper. Students are also expected to attend and participate in weekly discussion sections.

Required Texts

Required Reading (available for purchase at Shaman Drum Bookshop and on reserve)

Yehuda Bauer, A History of the Holocaust

Randolph Braham, The Politics of Genocide

Lucy Dawidowicz, The Holocaust Reader

Primo Levi, Survival in Auschwitz

Deborah Lipstadt, The Eichmann Trial

Ezra Mendelssohn, The Jews of East Central Europe between the Two World Wars

Isaiah Trunk, Lodz Ghetto: a History

Joshua D. Zimmerman, Jews in Italy under Fascist and Nazi Rule

Recommended Reading(available on reserve only)

Michael Marrus, The Holocaust in History

Yehuda Bauer, The Holocaust in Historical Perspective

Evaluation

 

Midterm Examination   #1                15%

Term-Paper #1 (5 pages)                 15%

Semester Examination #2                15%

Midterm Examination #2                  15%

Term Paper #2 (5 pages)                15%

Semester Examination #2               25%

 

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General Information