The Holocaust - An Introduction (II): The Final Solution from Coursera

The Holocaust was an inconceivable historical event, which forever robbed Western culture of its innocence. As civilized human beings, we fail to understand how events of such horror could have taken place, and how an idea so inhumanly warped could have spread like wildfire through an entire continent, instigating the systematic annihilation of millions of Jews.

This free online course was produced jointly by Tel Aviv University and Yad Vashem – the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. This course is the second of the two courses and covers three themes in its three weeks:

Week 1: The Final Solution

We’ll look at the cultural and mental processes that paved the way to the comprehensive and systematic mass murder of Jews in Europe – that is, the Final Solution. As part of this hard lesson we will discuss the various characteristics of the murder sites and death camps, and reveal selected aspects of the horror that occurred in them.

Week 2: Jewish and Non-Jewish Responses to the Holocaust

We will try to explore questions regarding knowledge about the application of the Final Solution, as well as a variety of responses and annihilation of victims, local populations and perpetrators.

Week 3: The End of the War

We will dedicate this lesson to the events that occurred in the last years of the Holocaust, as well as questions of memory, commemoration and future research.

We strongly recommend that you register for "The Holocaust - An Introduction (I): Nazi Germany: Ideology, The Jews and the World" as well (https://www.coursera.org/learn/holocaust-introduction-1/home/welcome). Taking both parts of the course would enable you to obtain a fuller and more comprehensive knowledge about The Holocaust.

This online course is offered in an innovative, multi-level format, comprising:

Comprehensive lectures by leading researchers from Tel Aviv University and Yad Vashem.

A wealth of voices and viewpoints presented by guest lecturers

Numerous documents, photos, testimonies and works of art from the time of the Holocaust.

Novel learning experience: Crowdsourcing – involving the learners themselves in the act of collecting and shaping information, via unique, exciting online assignments.

What's inside

Syllabus

The Final Solution and the Drive for Eliminating All Jews and All Perceived Jewish "Influences"

This lesson will be devoted to the cultural and mental processes which paved the way to the comprehensive and systematic mass murder of Jews. We will deal with the specific decision-making process regarding the murder of the entire European Jewry, the implementation of the initial murder, the broadening circle of killing, and the early Jewish reactions to the "Final Solution".

Jewish and Non-Jewish Responses to the Holocaust

We will look at a broad spectrum of questions, including: "As Lambs to the Slaughter"? Choiceless choices? Did the world remain silent? Why were Auschwitz and Birkenau not bombed? And more. Discussion of the various issues and frameworks will challenge the existing definitions regarding resistance and rescue, and examine patterns of cooperation with persecutors alongside rebellious acts by Jews and non-Jews alike. As part of this important discussion, we will return to our previous examination of the Jewish leadership and re-evaluate the responses of various Jewish leaders to the annihilation campaign, while pointing out the complexities of the subject matter.

The Free World, the last months, the Aftermath and the Implications

This lesson will describe the steps taken by Nazi Germany, with the Allied advance across Europe, to increase efforts to exterminate the Jews and to destroy all evidence of their crimes. We will deal with questions of memory and commemoration, examine the significance of the Holocaust for different audiences, and present the latest research in the field of Holocaust studies.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by respected researchers from Tel Aviv University and Yad Vashem, who are recognized for their work in Holocaust studies

Provides a comprehensive overview of the Holocaust, covering its origins, key events, and aftermath

Suitable for learners interested in history, genocide studies, and human rights

Involves learners in the learning process through crowdsourcing assignments

Features guest lecturers, documents, photos, testimonies, and works of art to enhance understanding

Provides historical context and explores the cultural and mental processes that contributed to the Holocaust

Reviews summary

Holocaust: final solution

Learners say that this excellent course provides an engaging and informative introduction to the Holocaust with a specific focus on the Final Solution. The majority of reviewers highly recommend this course, praising the guest speakers, visual learning materials, and thought-provoking discussion questions. The course is largely well-structured and well-paced, with clear and detailed lectures accompanied by lots of helpful resources. Overall, learners say this course provides an in-depth and nuanced understanding of this dark chapter in history.

Well-organized and coherent.

"Fantastic course. Well-structured."

"This course was absolutely great. Very well prepared and conducted. I've learnt a lot. Thank you!"

"Excellent course. Professor Havi Dreifuss & Dr Na'ama Shik were not afraid to ask the hard questions about the Holocaust investigation."

"This is an excellent course. The subject matter is depressing, so I think it is a good idea to space the lectures if you can."

Lots of helpful visual aids.

"really enjoyed the videos and the professional views."

"Excellent. Great presenters and logical and well done "

"execelant information and presentation of material "

"wonderful instructors....important topic that was thought provoking; visual impact was significant"

Well-rounded coverage of the topic.

"Highly informative and engaging."

"A great way to learn Holocoust from the jews perspective."

"Fantastic overview and worth the time to complete."

"I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of information that was packed into this course"

Renowned lecturers share their expertise.

"Excellent course! Great educators."

"Superb course with brilliant lecturers"

"An excellent course. I would highly recommend!"

"Thank you so much, I totally appreciate the effort behind the elaboration of the course. "

Prepare for a heavy topic.

"It was an extraordinary course!"

"It was incredible! I will recommend it to everybody!"

"I took both courses and I was heartbroken with the devastation that the Jewish people met."

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 - An Introduction (II): The Final Solution with these activities:

Read 'The Holocaust: A History' by Martin Gilbert

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the Holocaust, its origins, and its consequences.

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Read the introduction and first chapter to gain an understanding of the book's structure and main arguments.
Read the remaining chapters, focusing on the key events and themes of the Holocaust.
Take notes on the key points and insights from the book.

Create a timeline of the Holocaust

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Helps to visualize the key events and stages of the Holocaust.

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Research the major events of the Holocaust.
Create a timeline using a tool like Google Sheets or Excel.
Add key dates, events, and descriptions to the timeline.
Review and refine the timeline for accuracy and clarity.

Watch documentaries and videos on the Holocaust

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Provides a rich visual and auditory experience that can complement the course material.

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Search for reputable documentaries and videos on the Holocaust.
Watch the documentaries and videos, taking notes on key points and insights.
Reflect on the content and consider how it relates to the course topics.

Five other activities

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Attend a Holocaust remembrance event or lecture

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Provides an opportunity to connect with others interested in Holocaust history and engage in discussions.

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Search for upcoming Holocaust remembrance events or lectures in your area.
Attend the event and actively participate in discussions or Q&A sessions.

Form a study group with classmates to discuss course material and assignments

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Provides opportunities for peer learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

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Identify classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Choose a regular meeting time and location.
Review course material, discuss assignments, and engage in peer-to-peer learning.

Write an essay on the impact of the Holocaust

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Encourages critical thinking and reflection on the long-term effects of the Holocaust.

Browse courses on World War II

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Choose a specific aspect of the Holocaust to focus on, such as its impact on survivors, communities, or society as a whole.
Research the topic thoroughly, using credible sources.
Develop an outline and organize the essay's structure.
Write the essay, ensuring clarity, coherence, and a compelling argument.
Proofread and edit the essay for grammar, spelling, and style.

Design a lesson plan on the Holocaust for secondary school students

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Develops pedagogical skills and deepens understanding of Holocaust history and its relevance to contemporary society.

Browse courses on Holocaust Education

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Research the educational standards and curriculum guidelines for teaching about the Holocaust in secondary schools.
Determine the learning objectives and goals for the lesson plan.
Choose primary and secondary sources, activities, and assessments that will effectively engage students.
Create a detailed lesson plan outline that includes the sequence of activities, timings, and assessment strategies.
Pilot the lesson plan with a small group of students and gather feedback to refine it.

Attend a workshop on Holocaust education or research

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Provides specialized knowledge and skills in Holocaust-related topics.

Browse courses on Holocaust Education

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Search for upcoming workshops on Holocaust education or research.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.

Career center

Learners who complete The Holocaust - An Introduction (II): The Final Solution will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Archivist

Archivists gather, arrange, describe, and preserve creative works. The information they curate empowers a plethora of professionals, including historians and journalists. As an Archivist, you may specialize in historical documents, like the ones analyzed in this course. Your work may include preserving correspondence, diaries, and photos to ensure future generations understand this terrible chapter in history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret past events to construct a coherent narrative of the human experience. As a Historian, you may focus on the history of the Holocaust, leveraging your knowledge from this course to make insightful contributions to the field. You could work as an academic, researching and publishing scholarly works, or work at a museum or historical site.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. As a Librarian, you may work in a special collections department, where you could use your knowledge of the Holocaust to help researchers and academics access rare and valuable materials. You could also work in a public library, helping patrons learn about this important topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and manage environmental control over museum collections to preserve artifacts. They may specialize in the history of the Holocaust. As a Museum Curator, you would be responsible for preserving and displaying artifacts from the Holocaust, helping visitors to understand this dark period in history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Journalist

Journalists research, analyze, and interpret information to produce news articles, broadcasts, and other forms of media. As a Journalist, you may specialize in reporting on the Holocaust, using your knowledge to educate the public about this important topic. You could work for a newspaper, magazine, or online news organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Lawyer

Lawyers help people understand and navigate the legal system. As a Lawyer, you may specialize in international law or human rights law. Your knowledge of the Holocaust would be a valuable asset in this field, as you could use your understanding of history to advocate for justice and prevent future atrocities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of academic subjects. As a Teacher, you may specialize in history or social studies. Your knowledge of the Holocaust would be invaluable in the classroom, as you could help students to understand this complex and important topic. You could work in a public or private school, or at a university.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate difficult life circumstances. As a Social Worker, you may work with survivors of the Holocaust or their families. Your knowledge of the Holocaust would help you to understand the unique challenges faced by this population, and to provide them with the support they need.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. As an Anthropologist, you may specialize in the study of genocide or human rights. Your knowledge of the Holocaust would be valuable in this field, as you could use your understanding of history to help prevent future atrocities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the theory and practice of government and politics. As a Political Scientist, you may specialize in the study of international relations or human rights. Your knowledge of the Holocaust would be valuable in this field, as you could use your understanding of history to help prevent future atrocities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Sociologist

Sociologists study the social behavior and development of humans. As a Sociologist, you may specialize in the study of genocide or human rights. Your knowledge of the Holocaust would be valuable in this field, as you could use your understanding of history to help prevent future atrocities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior. As a Psychologist, you may specialize in the study of trauma or genocide. Your knowledge of the Holocaust would be valuable in this field, as you could use your understanding of history to help people who have experienced trauma.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Theologian

Theologians study the nature of God and religious beliefs. Your knowledge of the Holocaust would give you an uncommon perspective in this field, because of the deep theological challenges that the Holocaust engenders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Theologian

Filmmaker

Filmmakers write, direct, and produce films. As a Filmmaker, you may specialize in the production of documentaries or historical films. Your knowledge of the Holocaust would be valuable in this field, as you could use your skills to educate and inform the public about this important topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Filmmaker

Writer

Writers create written works, such as books, articles, and plays. As a Writer, you may specialize in the writing of historical fiction or non-fiction. Your knowledge of the Holocaust would be valuable in this field, as you could use your skills to tell the stories of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer