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The Holocaust through the Perspective of Primary Sources

Dr. Yossi Kugler

In this new online video course produced by EHRI, the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure, we will explore diaries, photographs, official Nazi documents, postwar survivor testimonies and much more - all together with leading scholars in the field. We will become acquainted with original documents and gain hands-on experience in using them while learning about their importance, and the unique perspectives they provide us into this cataclysmic event.

Yad Vashem is one of EHRI's 26 partners, tasked with creating and operating the course.

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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.

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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

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into holocaust primary sources

According to learners, this course offers a profoundly moving and intellectually rigorous exploration of The Holocaust. Students highlight its outstanding quality of material and the powerful use of diverse primary sources, including diaries, testimonies, and bureaucratic documents, which make history feel immediate. Many commend the exceptional scholars and instructors from Yad Vashem for their deeply insightful analysis and sensitive handling of difficult content. While the lectures are clear and well-structured, a few note it may not be ideal for absolute beginners and could benefit from more interactive elements.

Deals with sensitive material with respect, leading to deeper understanding.

"This course is profoundly moving and intellectually rigorous."

"The content can be very difficult emotionally, but it is handled with immense respect."

"It requires emotional maturity, but it is incredibly rewarding."

Taught by leading scholars providing insightful and sensitive guidance.

"The scholars are exceptional, providing deeply insightful analysis without ever feeling dry."

"The instructors from Yad Vashem are truly experts and convey the material with appropriate gravity and sensitivity."

"The instructors are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, and the curriculum is meticulously organized."

Explores The Holocaust through authentic documents for profound understanding.

"The use of primary sources, especially the diaries and testimonies, makes the history feel incredibly real and immediate."

"The way it presents the Holocaust through different primary sources is incredibly powerful."

"The raw power of these original documents, expertly guided by the scholars, is something everyone should experience."

Some minor video quality issues and limited interactive elements.

"My only minor critique is that some of the video quality in older segments felt a bit dated..."

"While the course provides a strong foundation, I do wish there were more interactive elements..."

"The forums weren't very active, but that might just be my timing."

May assume some foundational knowledge about the Holocaust.

"The course is good, but perhaps not for absolute beginners. It assumes a certain level of prior knowledge..."

"Sometimes I felt overwhelmed by the amount of information without enough foundational context being revisited."

"For those with a solid base, it's probably excellent."

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.

Browse courses on Peer Review

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

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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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentarian

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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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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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

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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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Philosopher

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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Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Holocaust through the Perspective of Primary Sources.

The Spanish Civil Wars

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the Holocaust, from its origins to its aftermath. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this dark chapter in history.

The Spanish Civil Wars

Paperback

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The Spanish Civil Wars

Kindle Edition

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Breakdowns

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This graphic novel powerful and moving account of the Holocaust. It unique and important work that helps to shed light on this dark chapter in history.

Breakdowns: Portrait of the Artist as a Young %@&*!

Paperback

The Nazi Doctors

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Examines the role of doctors in the Holocaust. It disturbing and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the dark side of human nature.

German Railroads, Jewish Souls

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Comprehensive study of the Holocaust. It provides a detailed account of the Nazi regime's extermination of the Jews of Europe.

German Railroads, Jewish Souls: The Reichsbahn,...

Paperback

German Railroads, Jewish Souls: The Reichsbahn,...

Kindle Edition

Ordinary Men

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Examines the role of ordinary men in the Holocaust. It follows the story of Reserve Police Battalion 101, a unit of German police reservists who were responsible for mass murder in Poland.

Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the...

Paperback

By Christopher R. Browning - Ordinary Men: Reserve...

Hardcover

$$$$

Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the...

Kindle Edition