The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-holocaust

Introduction

**Course Review: The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry on Coursera** In a world increasingly defined by its diversity, understanding the harrowing events of the Holocaust becomes not just an academic pursuit, but a crucial moral imperative. The course "The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry" on Coursera, adapted from a long-running on-campus course at UC Santa Cruz, offers a profound exploration of this tragic chapter in history through the combined lenses of literature and history. Co-taught by distinguished professors Murray Baumgarten and Peter Kenez, this course dives deeply into the societal, political, and cultural factors that shaped the Holocaust, while amplifying the voices of those who experienced its horrors. ### Course Overview This course is not merely a recounting of events; it invites participants to grapple with questions of identity, morality, and humanity. By utilizing a rich blend of memoirs, historical documents, poetry, documentary footage, and films, it provides a multidimensional perspective on the Holocaust. The syllabus is meticulously crafted, divided into engaging modules that guide learners through different temporal and thematic aspects of the Holocaust. ### Module Breakdown #### 1. Who were the Jews? The course opens with an introduction to the study of the Holocaust, exploring the roots of modern antisemitism and the vibrant culture of 19th-century European Jews. Through discussions of Nehama Tec’s "Dry Tears" and various genres of Holocaust literature, students gain foundational knowledge crucial for subsequent modules. #### 2. Prelude to the Holocaust Students will delve into the early 20th-century landscape of Eastern Europe, examining the changing demographics and the complexities of Jewish identity. The exploration of literary works such as Primo Levi’s "Survival in Auschwitz" and Aharon Appelfeld’s "Badenheim 1939" enriches the historical narrative with personal and emotional depth. #### 3. Rise of the Nazis This module critically examines the political environment in 1930s Germany, addressing the "Jewish question" and how evil was represented in poetry during this period. It contextualizes the rise of the Nazi regime and the gradual normalization of antisemitic attitudes. #### 4. Beginnings of War Here, students are led through the events leading up to the Holocaust, including key texts like Thomas Kenneally’s "Schindler’s List." The module challenges learners to reflect on guilt, complicity, and the landscape of responsibility during these tumultuous times. #### 5. Witness to Trauma Featuring guest speaker Dora Sorell, a Holocaust survivor, this module focuses on the subjective experience of trauma as the invasion of the Soviet Union unfolds. This personal testimony adds a profound dimension to the academic material. #### 6. Establishment of the Camps This segment discusses the grim establishment of labor and extermination camps, highlighting works like Tadeusz Borowski’s "This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen." It delves into the processes of memorialization and the historical analysis of perpetrators. #### 7. Deportation and Extermination Focusing on the Holocaust in Western Europe and the complex history of Hungary, this module introduces significant literature like Imre Kertész’s "Fatelessness" and Ida Fink’s "A Scrap of Time." Students grapple with the harrowing realities of deportation and extermination. #### 8. The Perpetrators, the Neighbors, and the Outside World The concluding module reflects on the unique case of Romania, the culpability of the outside world, and the aftermath of World War II. Adolf Hitler’s last testament is examined, prompting critical discussions on morality and accountability. ### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend "The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry" to anyone wishing to understand this deeply painful period in history through a critical and humanistic lens. The course is thoughtfully structured and engaging, making it accessible to learners from all backgrounds. Professors Baumgarten and Kenez bring a wealth of knowledge, curiosity, and sensitivity, allowing participants to engage with the material in a meaningful way. In an era when the shadows of intolerance and prejudice are still present, this course serves as a vital reminder of the past and a call to action for the future. By fostering critical thinking and empathy, it equips learners with the necessary tools to confront today's challenges head-on. Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply a concerned global citizen, this course is a crucial addition to your educational journey.

Syllabus

Who were the Jews?

This module is an introduction to the study of the Holocaust and a prehistory of the Holocaust. Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the roots of modern antisemitism, the culture of European Jews in the 19th century, Nehama Tec’s Dry Tears, and the various genres of Holocaust literature. The module also contains general information about the course.

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the changing demographics and political landscape of early 20th century Eastern Europe, Jewish identity, the Bildungsroman, Silvano Arieti’s The Parnas, Primo Levi’s Survival in Auschwitz, Aharon Appelfeld’s Badenheim 1939, and Elie Wiesel’s Night.

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the political and social environment of 1930s Germany, the Jewish question, and the treatment of evil in poetry.

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the conditions that were necessary for the Holocaust to occur, the early events of World War II, Thomas Kenneally’s Schindlers List, Andres Schwartz-Bart’s The Last of the Just, and questions of guilt and responsibility.

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the invasion of the Soviet Union, Thomas Kenneally’s Schindler’s List, and questions of witnessing. Guest speaker Dora Sorell shares her own experience of the Holocaust.

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the establishment of labor and extermination camps, memorialization, Tadeusz Borowski’s This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Christopher Browning’s Ordinary Men.

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the Holocaust in Western Europe, the complex history of Hungary, Imre Kertész’s Fatelessness, and Ida Fink’s A Scrap of Time.

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the unique case of Romania, the culpability of the outside world, and the end of World War II. The text of Adolf Hitler’s last testament is provided.