History 3427E: 001 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

Main Textbooks:

  • Yehuda Bauer, Rethinking the Holocaust. (Yale, 2000).
  • Leni Yahill, The Holocaust: The Fate of European Jewry. (Oxford, 1991).

Required Supplemental:

  • Christopher Browning, Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland. (Harper Collins, 2007).
  • Donald Niewyk, The Holocaust: Problems and Perspectives of Interpretation. (4th ed., 2010).
  • Course Package

Optional Book:

  • Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History. (6th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s 2010).

Evaluation

Participation:               25%    First term paper:          20%

Mid-term exam:          15%    Second term paper:     25%

Final exam:                  15%

 

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