The Holocaust through the Perspective of Primary Sources from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course

Welcome to the online course "'It Must All Be Recorded Without a Single Fact Left Out': The Holocaust through the Perspective of Primary Sources" for EHRI, the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure. Yad Vashem is one of 26 EHRI partners, and tasked with creating and operating the course. In this first short week, we will introduce the subject of Holocaust research and study using primary sources, including some of the main issues within this domain.

The Warsaw Ghetto Through the Lens of Diaries

This week, we will learn about researching and studying the Holocaust using diaries as unique historical sources. We will demonstrate these through the diaries of Adam Czerniakow and Emanuel Ringelblum, among others.

The Lodz Ghetto through the Perspective of Photographs

This week, we will learn about the use of photographs and images as tools in documenting and commemorating the Holocaust, and as historical sources, through the photographs of two photographers active in the Lodz Ghetto: Walter Genevein, a Nazi official, and Mendel Grossman, a Jew incarcerated in the ghetto.

The Holocaust Through German Bureaucratic Sources

This week, we will learn about researching and studying the Holocaust using German bureaucratic sources. We will focus on four German bureaucratic source types relating to specific aspects and stages of the Holocaust: Situation Reports; documents on the confiscation of Jewish property; Einsatzgruppen reports; and documents on the deportation process.

Personal Letters Written Immediately After Liberation

This week, we will learn about researching and studying the Holocaust using personal letters written immediately after liberation. We will examine such letters' significance in Holocaust research and studies, the motives of their writers, and their main themes.

Testimonies of Survivors as Primary Sources

This week, we will learn about researching and studying the Holocaust using testimonies of survivors. These testimonies include early accounts submitted closer to the time of the events themselves, as well as later ones. We will explore questions and arguments regarding the use of testimonies as historical sources, their significance, and the invaluable perspective they offer, especially concerning topics where other source types are lacking.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by an expert: Dr. Yossi Kugler

Examines the Holocaust through primary sources

Develops core Holocaust Research skills through hands-on experience

Provides a comprehensive overview of Holocaust studies

Offers multi-modal learning experiences

Involves leading scholars specializing in the field

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Holocaust through the Perspective of Primary Sources with these activities:

Summarize course prerequisites

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Review the course syllabus and description to understand the necessary background knowledge for this course.

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Review syllabus and course description
Identify key concepts and topics
Take notes or create a summary

Explore Online Resources and Tutorials

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Provides additional support and expands knowledge by exploring external resources.

Browse courses on Online Resources

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Identify online resources and tutorials relevant to course topics.
Review the resources and tutorials to supplement your understanding.
Apply the acquired knowledge in your assignments and discussions.

Read 'The Holocaust: A History' by Laurence Rees

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This comprehensive work provides a detailed overview of the Holocaust, offering valuable insights and historical context.

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Obtain a copy of the book
Read the book thoroughly
Take notes and highlight key passages
Reflect on the author's arguments and evidence

Two other activities

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Participate in a Peer Review Group

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Enhances critical thinking and communication skills by engaging in constructive dialogue with peers.

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Join a peer review group or create one with classmates.
Share your work with the group and provide feedback on others' work.
Engage in discussions and debates to refine ideas and expand perspectives.

Create a Research Proposal

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Strengthens understanding of course concepts through practical application of research methodology.

Browse courses on Documentation

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Review course materials and identify a specific topic for your research.
Develop a research question and hypothesis.
Design a research plan outlining your methods, data collection, and analysis.
Write a clear and concise research proposal.

Career center

Learners who complete The Holocaust through the Perspective of Primary Sources will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

Historians specializing in the Holocaust rely heavily on primary sources to reconstruct and interpret the past. This course offers an in-depth exploration of various types of primary sources related to the Holocaust, including diaries, photographs, bureaucratic documents, and survivor testimonies, providing essential knowledge and skills for aspiring Historians in this field.

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Researcher

Researchers specializing in the Holocaust require a deep understanding of the relevant primary sources. This course offers a comprehensive overview of various types of primary sources related to the Holocaust, their provenance, and their use in research, equipping Researchers with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct rigorous and meaningful investigations.

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Teacher

Teachers specializing in Holocaust education play a critical role in shaping the understanding of future generations about this tragic event. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in Holocaust research and study using primary sources, enabling Teachers to effectively integrate primary source analysis into their teaching and foster critical thinking and historical empathy among their students.

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Documentarian

Documentarians specializing in the Holocaust rely heavily on primary sources to tell compelling and accurate stories. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of various types of primary sources related to the Holocaust, including their significance, authenticity, and ethical considerations, providing Documentarians with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use these sources in their productions.

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Archivist

Archivists play a vital role in preserving and making accessible historical records, including those related to the Holocaust. This course provides a solid foundation in Holocaust research and study using primary sources, which would be invaluable for an Archivist working with Holocaust-related materials.

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Sociologist

Sociologists studying the Holocaust need to be familiar with the relevant primary sources. This course provides a solid foundation in Holocaust research and study using primary sources, enabling Sociologists to understand the social dynamics and structures that contributed to and were shaped by the Holocaust.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists studying the Holocaust need to be familiar with the relevant primary sources. This course provides a solid foundation in Holocaust research and study using primary sources, enabling Political Scientists to understand the political dimensions and consequences of the Holocaust.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists studying the Holocaust need to be familiar with the relevant primary sources. This course provides a solid foundation in Holocaust research and study using primary sources, enabling Anthropologists to understand the cultural and social impact of the Holocaust.

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Philosopher

Philosophers studying the Holocaust need to be familiar with the relevant primary sources. This course provides a solid foundation in Holocaust research and study using primary sources, enabling Philosophers to understand the philosophical implications of the Holocaust.

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Journalist

Journalists covering the Holocaust need to be well-versed in the historical context and the relevant primary sources. This course provides a solid foundation in Holocaust research and study using primary sources, enabling Journalists to accurately report on this sensitive topic and contribute to a deeper public understanding of the Holocaust.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators play a crucial role in preserving and presenting historical artifacts and documents related to the Holocaust. This course provides valuable insights into the use of primary sources in Holocaust research, including their significance, authenticity, and ethical considerations, which would greatly enhance the work of Museum Curators dealing with Holocaust-related exhibitions.

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Psychologist

Psychologists studying the Holocaust need to be familiar with the relevant primary sources. This course provides a solid foundation in Holocaust research and study using primary sources, enabling Psychologists to understand the psychological impact of the Holocaust.

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Librarian

Librarians specializing in Holocaust studies require a deep understanding of the relevant primary sources. This course offers a comprehensive overview of various types of primary sources related to the Holocaust, their provenance, and their use in research, equipping Librarians with the necessary knowledge to assist researchers and patrons in accessing and interpreting these valuable resources.

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Theologian

Theologians studying the Holocaust need to be familiar with the relevant primary sources. This course provides a solid foundation in Holocaust research and study using primary sources, enabling Theologians to understand the theological and ethical dimensions of the Holocaust.

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Lawyer

Lawyers specializing in human rights or international law may find this course helpful in understanding the legal and ethical issues surrounding the Holocaust.

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