German Studies 100 - Representations of Holocaust

We explore public and personal narratives surrounding the Holocaust. What role do written and visual representations play in our understanding of the topic? Are there discrepancies between personal stories and public histories and what are they? With an emphasis on concentration camps, we investigate who has the authority to decide what happens on the grounds of the camps today. In addition, we will investigate how memorial sites, museums, and films communicate the Holocaust. A brief introduction into German history (1933 to 1945) looking at perpetrators, victims, and resistance groups will complement the discussion. Seminar participants will take part in organizing an exhibition at MHC.

This course is limited to first-year students.