The Holocaust – An Introduction (I): Nazi Germany: Ideology, The Jews and the World Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the origins and early stages of the Holocaust, focusing on Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1939. Through five modules, learners will explore the ideological foundations of Nazism, the rise of Hitler’s regime, and the systematic persecution of Jews through laws, propaganda, and violence. Combining scholarly analysis with survivor testimonies and archival materials, the course is designed for beginners and requires approximately 5 weeks to complete, with a suggested commitment of 2–3 hours per week. The structure supports progressive understanding, culminating in a reflective final project.
Module 1: Introduction to Holocaust Studies
Estimated time: 2 hours
- What is the Holocaust?
- Historical context of the early 20th century
- Challenges in studying the Holocaust
- Engaging with survivor testimonies and archival materials
Module 2: Nazi Ideology and Anti-Semitism
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Roots of Nazi racial theory
- Analysis of Hitler’s worldview
- Study of Mein Kampf and its influence
- Interpretation of anti-Semitic propaganda
Module 3: Rise of the Nazi Regime
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Hitler’s rise to power in 1933
- Early laws enforcing persecution
- The Nuremberg Laws and legal exclusion
- Timeline analysis of key legislative measures
Module 4: Jewish Life in Nazi Germany
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Economic marginalization of Jews
- Social and cultural exclusion
- Community responses to discrimination
- Personal stories from Jewish individuals
Module 5: Forced Emigration and Kristallnacht
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Government policies on forced emigration
- International response to Jewish displacement
- The November 1938 Pogrom (Kristallnacht)
- Mapping emigration patterns and global reactions
Module 6: Final Project
Estimated time: 3 hours
- Analyze a primary source document or survivor testimony
- Write a reflective essay on the role of ideology and public complicity
- Submit a short presentation on a chosen topic from the course
Prerequisites
- Basic reading proficiency in English
- No prior knowledge of Holocaust history required
- Openness to engaging with emotionally challenging content
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Understand the ideological roots of Nazi anti-Semitism
- Explain the progression of persecution against Jews from 1933–1939
- Analyze historical documents, propaganda, and survivor testimonies
- Reflect critically on the societal and political conditions in Nazi Germany
- Apply historical empathy and critical thinking to contemporary issues of racism and human rights