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, Jewish responses to persecution and survival strategies in the camps. Also explores how the Holocaust unfolded in various European countries and the responses of nations, institutions and individuals to the mass murder of the Jews. Concludes with an examination of the post-war trials of war criminals and considers the definition of genocide after the Holocaust. Primary documents are discussed in the lectures, and several on-going historiographical are debates examined during class discussions.