History

Provides a thematic survey of the Nazi destruction of the European Jews. Examines the ideological underpinnings of the genocide, the policies leading up to and including the so-called “Final Solution” of the “Jewish problem”, perpetrator motivations, and Jewish responses to persecution and survival strategies in the camps. Will also explore how the Holocaust unfolded in various European countries and the responses of nations, institutions and individuals to the mass murder of the Jews. Will conclude with an examination of the post-war trials of war criminals and consider the definition of genocide after the Holocaust. Will discuss primary documents in the lectures, and examine several on-going historiographical debates during class discussions.