Course Offerings for 2008-2009

Fall 2008

FYS 1150-117/142: Conflict and Peace: Understanding Genocide in the 20th Century (Amy Hudnall)

In the 20th century over 170 million men, women, and children died in recognized genocides as compared to approximately 36 million battle-dead. This course provides the historical and theoretical background necessary to formulate well-grounded opinions on the matter and inevitability of genocide. We explore relevant and fundamental concepts to genocide. Then we will compare the cultural, historical, and economic roots of a group of genocides and events particular to each. We will consider genocides’ aftermath and how the world responds to the victims and perpetrators. Finally, we will discuss the risk of genocides today and in the future and look at what responsibilities we may have in ending genocide. The course is discussion based.

HON 2515-101: The Nazi Holocaust (Dr. Brantz and Dr. Boyd)

In this course we will examine the origins, nature, and meaning of the Nazi Holocaust. Class discussions will focus on the changing position of Jews in European society; the character of Judaism; the nature of traditional racial anti-Semitism in Europe; the role of anti-Semitism in the rise of Hitler and the Nazis; the reality of the Third Reich and its racial policies; the implementation of the Final Solution; the experience of the ghettoes, camps, death, and survival; collaboration and resistance in the Holocaust; difficulties encountered by survivors; and the meaning of the Holocaust for us today. We think this approach will bring us closer to the meaning of this horrific tragedy.