Sociology Department

Sociology 305 Course Description

Sociology 305: Perspectives on the Holocaust and Genocide

"Remembering the Past: Safeguarding the Future"

Sociology 305 Lectures: Tuesday 4:00-5:40 p.m. Ives 101

Discussion leaders: Myrna Goodman, Ilka Hartmann, Barbara Lesch-McCaffry

Sections: Thursday 4:00-4:50 p.m., 5:00-5:50 p.m. and 6:00-6:50 p.m.

Course Web Page: http://www.sonoma.edu/holocaust/

Course Description: The idea, applications, and experiences of genocide in history raise basic questions for us all, especially those in communities threatened (past or present) by severe prejudice, discrimination, persecution or even annihilation. These questions arouse a variety of intellectual, emotional, and ethical responses. By studying the Holocaust and other genocides, we deepen our understanding of human nature, of organized society, political leadership, democratic participation, and civilization itself.

The Holocaust Lectures explore the dynamics of history's best-documented example of a systematic, deliberate brutalization and annihilation of one human group by another. Thus, German Nazis and European Jews serve as the central focus
of this inquiry. From this central focal point, the lectures and discussions branch out into related conceptual and empirical areas showing how prejudice can escalate into genocide.

This year's theme reflects the organizers' concern for employing intellectual knowledge based on facts, evidence, critical thinking and emotional awareness in the service of effective ethical action to prevent genocide.

Note: Students enrolled in this class earn Upper Division Credit in GE Category D5 (Contemporary International Perspectives in the Social Sciences).

In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for students with disabling conditions, please discuss any accommodation you may need for this class with your discussion section leader prior to the end of the second week of classes. You must to self-identify with Disabled Student Services (Salazar 1049 ) in order to be eligible to receive services or reasonable accommodation for any classes at SSU.

Course Objectives:

At the end of the semester, students will:

•  Understand how prejudice can escalate into genocide.

•  Understand the choices people make in witnessing, resisting and preventing genocide.

•  Understand the correlations, connections and dissimilarities between the Holocaust and other genocides.

•  Be able to recognize and understand their role in making , maintaining and changing society and the importance of being a responsible and active citizen.