JAN 314 - The Holocaust: Antisemitism Through the Ages and The Rescue of Jews

Course Meeting Days & Times: MTWTh, 2:45 PM-5:15 PM

Please note: This course will meet remotely on Jan 9-10 and 22-23.

Instructor(s): Hadani, Michael

Email: mh21@stmarys-ca.edu

Fee: $0

Course Description:  How is it possible that six million Jewish men, women, and children were “exterminated” in death camps and killing fields by a Christian country? Why does Antisemitism, called the world’s “oldest hatred,” still exist and why is there a proliferation of Neo-Nazi groups today?  We will uncover the religious and racial history that led to the Holocaust and discover as well how, in spite of the terrible numbers murdered, there were individuals and religious who exposed themselves and their families to certain death to save their Jewish brothers and sisters.  They were Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, and atheist; among them were women, teenagers, and diplomats, and none considered themselves to be heroes.

Only 54% of people surveyed worldwide by the Anti-Defamation League had ever heard about the Holocaust and 32% believed the event to have been greatly exaggerated or a myth.  We have an obligation to be educated about this event.  Elie Wiesel wrote “Although we today are not responsible for the injustices of the past, we are responsible for the way we remember the past and what we do with the present”

Students will be able to follow a particular interest relating to Holocaust history and present their findings to the class through a presentation and in a final paper.

 

Prerequisites & Notes
None

Credits: 3