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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS 200"
COURSE NAME: "Doing History: The Holocaust: Nazi Policies of Mass Extermination"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2022
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Luca De Caprariis
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 8:30 AM 9:45 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Co-requisites: EN 110
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to the practice of history, that is, how professional historians investigate, reconstruct, and interpret the past. Students will examine a variety of methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives that historians have employed in studying a particular historical problem (the topic varies from semester to semester). Students will also engage directly in practicing history by analyzing a variety of primary and secondary sources and carrying out a significant research project related to the topic of the semester.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The course will focus on the origins of Völkish anti-Semitism, the place of anti-Semitism in Hitler's world view, the evolution of National Socialist racial policies before and after the seizure  of power, the unfolding of the Nazi extermination policies during World War II. Attention will be given also to the historiography and the memory of the Holocaust.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
This course introduces students to the practice of history, that is, how professional historians investigate, reconstruct, and interpret the past. Students will examine a variety of methodological approaches and theoretical perspectives that historians have employed in studying a particular historical problem (the topic varies from semester to semester). Students will also engage directly in practicing history by analyzing a variety of primary and secondary sources and carrying out a significant research project related to the topic of the semester.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Lying about HitlerRichard EvansBasic Books9780465021536     
Denying the HolocaustBeborah LipstadtPluma 9780452272743     
Nazi Germany and the Jews. Volume II. The years of Extermination. 1939-1945Saul FriedlanderHarper9780060930486     
Nazi Germany and the Jews. Volume I. The Years of Persecution: 1933-1939Saul FriedlanderHarper9780060928780     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Research Paper (including draft, revision, and presentation) 12-14 pagesStudents will explore a topic appropriate for the course chosen in consultation with me. I will guide you through the processes of preparing a first draft and revising that draft to produce a stronger final paper. You also will present this paper to the rest of the class for discussion. The grade on this assignment will be determined by the strength of your analysis and research, the persuasiveness of your argument (including quality of writing), and the originality of your thought.35
Assessment of primary sources/HistoriographySelect one or more sources (primary, secondary, maps, etc.) relating to an issue you deem important to the understanding of the course of Nazi Racial policies and write an essay providing a critical assessment of that question. Discuss the intentionalist and structuralist interpretation of National Socialist extermination policies30% each paper

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance is mandatory. Students should keep their mobile phones turned off during lecture. You may use your laptop to take notes, but you are not allowed to surf the web during class. Should you fail to follow these rules I will ban laptops from classroom altogether.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

Schedule of Topics

Introduction. The foundation of Modern Racism.  The Enlightenment. From Science to Art: the emergence of Stereotypes.

The Science and the Mystery of Race.

Völkish ideology and Hitler: the Vienna years.

The Mein Kampf , Mein Kampf, chapter 11

The Rise to Power. Friedlander I: 73-112.

After the Seizure of Power, Friedlander I: 9-72.

Nazi Anti-Semitic legislation Friedlander I: 113-173

Radicalization Friedlander I: 177-240.

 International tension, the Aryanization of German economy, emigration, Friedlander I:  241-333.

Terror and Ghettoization, Friedlander II: 3-128.

Terror and Ghettoization, Friedlander II: 129-194

The attack on the Soviet Union: the beginning of Mass Extermination Friedlander II: 197-328

Planned mass murder I: Friedlander II, 329-395

Planned mass murder II: Friedlander II, 329-395

The Historiographical debate: intention vs structure I, Kershaw

Paper Presentation and discussion

Paper Presentation and discussion

Collaboration and Mass extermination in Western and Eastern Europe, Friedlander 2, 539-600 

The Italians and the Holocaust

The Memory of the Holocaust