HIST 355 The Holocaust, Judaism, and Israel
This course will focus on the history of the events and processes leading to the
Holocaust, the Nazi ¿Final Solution,¿ and Jewish theological responses to the
Holocaust. It will further explore the impact of the Holocaust on Israeli society, culture, and politics.
In the first part of the course we will discuss the ideological roots of Nazism and the
decision to implement the ¿Final Solution,¿ the nature of the Third Reich, and the
development of Nazi policies. In the second part of the course, we will discuss how Jews of various religious backgrounds responded to the theological challenge of the Holocaust. The third part of the course will focus on the place of the Holocaust in the collective memory of Israelis, the establishment of the state of Israel, and the impact of the Holocaust on Israeli society, culture, and politics. There will be guest speakers (including a Holocaust survivor) and documentary films. The course will be conducted in consultation with the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. and one of the classes will be held at the Museum.
Cross Listed Courses
SOC 395B &
POL 395B &
TRS 395B &
HIST 355