Syllabus for The Holocaust

Course Title:	RELG 475-1 The Holocaust
Instructor:	Lois E. Olena, M.A (lois@olena.com or olenal@evangel.edu)
Dates and Times:	August 26-December 16, 2003, 3:30-4:45 PM (Rm. AB217)

Evangel Policy regarding term papers and tests
Special Cases Policy for learning or physical disabilies

Course Description

A broad exposure to the events of, and issues related to the Holocaust. Oral history, Holocaust poetry and other reflection on the lessons of the Holocaust for our times will also be considered.

Course Objectives

To examine the historical context of European anti-Semitism, the Nazi ascension to power and the major historical events of the Holocaust years.
To consider the many struggles of the Jewish people (emigration, resistance, rescue, survival, etc.) immediately before, during and after WWII.
To grapple with the vast array of post-Holocaust issues (theological, social, philosophical).
To observe post-Holocaust reflection and expression (media, literature, oral history, etc.).
To reflect on post-Holocaust values and implications for the Pentecostal/Evangelical Christian.

Required Texts

Bauer, Yehuda. A History of the Holocaust. New York: Franklin Watts, 2001.

Levi, Primo. Survival In Auschwitz. New York: Collier Books, 1993.

Schiff, Hilda. Holocaust Poetry. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1995.

e-mail/turnitin.com

All students will be required to supply a current e-mail address and register with turnitin.com:
http://turnitin.com.

Methodology

Lectures and Oral (Student) Presentations
Media (video, art, poetry and other literature)
Writing: Reflective/Reactionary, Review, Research
Class Discussions and Interactions
Guest Speaker(s)

Basic Course Outline

Introductory Material (terminology, overview, approach)
Jews in Historical Context; Christian Anti-Semitism
Liberalism, Emancipation, Modern Anti-Semitism
WWI and Aftermath; Weimar Republic
German Jewry and the Evolution of Nazi Jewish Policy in the Pre-war Years (1933-1938)
Poland (1939). The War Begins
The Ghettoes
Final Solution; Camps
West European Jewry
Resistance and Rescue
Aftermath
Theological/Social/Philosophical Issues
Expression & Reflection: Literature, Media, Music, Oral History

Course Requirements

Regular attendance, completion of required reading, and class participation is course policy.
Required Paper format: 1 inch margins all around, double spaced, Times 12 font.

Assignment	Book	Length	Due	% of grade
14 reaction/reflection papers (one per chapter)	Yehuda Bauer, A History of the Holocaust	A specific time will be allotted.	Written in class the day we deal with each chapter.	15%
Review/Reflection • Provide a brief synopsis of the book. • Describe two significant events (or relationships) that were a part of Primo Levi's time in the camp. • Discuss how these events or relationships contributed to or threatened Levi's survival. • Identify one event or relationship in your life which has contributed to--or threatened--your sense of being able to persevere and find meaning in life; give three reasons why.	Primo Levi, Survival in Auschwitz	4 pgs.	November 6	15%
Midterm	On class notes and Bauer, heavy on history and terminology.			15%
In-class poetry paper(s)	Hilda Schiff, Holocaust Poetry		November 13	5%
Research Paper:Topic/Title (due Th., Sep 11) Bibliography (due Th., Sep. 18) • at least 10 entries Table of Contents (due Th., Sep. 25) Thesis statement (due Th., Oct. 2) Rough draft (due Th, Nov. 13) Final copy of paper (due Th, Nov. 20) All items must be submitted in proper Turabian form. Approvals will be returned to students on the Tuesday following due dates.		Title, TOC + 12 pgs. Text + bibliography	Final paper due November 20th (Must be turned in in class AND registered with turnitin.com to be considered on time.)	25%
Oral report (written; read to the class)Summary of research paper		5-minute presentation (approx. 2.5 pgs.)	E-mail to me by Nov. 20. Presentations will be given Nov. 25, Dec. 2 and Dec. 4.	10%
Final Exam (format TBA)				15%

The proper format to be used for papers, bibliographies, etc., will follow the Kate L. Turabian Sixth Edition format of A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, which is readily available in the Evangel Bookstore.