The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry from Coursera

The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry is an adaptation of an on-campus course that has been co-taught by Murray Baumgarten, Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature (Literature Department), and Peter Kenez, Professor Emeritus (History Department), for over 20 years at UC Santa Cruz.

In this course, you will explore the Holocaust from the overlapping perspectives of literature and history—through memoirs, historical documents, poetry, documentary footage, filmic representations, and novels. You will expand your knowledge of the literature of the Holocaust, Eastern and Western European Jewish communities, the origins and development of antisemitism, the establishment of labor and extermination camps, resistance movements, and the Holocaust as a problem for world history.

There is more than one way to take this course: You can complete all of the activities (and earn a Verified Certificate) or only the activities that are most interesting to you. Whatever you choose to do, we encourage you to find a havruta (a study partner) in your community or in the Coursera community so that you can experience the course in a more interactive and meaningful way.

What's inside

Syllabus

Who were the Jews?

This module is an introduction to the study of the Holocaust and a prehistory of the Holocaust. Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the roots of modern antisemitism, the culture of European Jews in the 19th century, Nehama Tec’s Dry Tears, and the various genres of Holocaust literature. The module also contains general information about the course.

Prelude to the Holocaust

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the changing demographics and political landscape of early 20th century Eastern Europe, Jewish identity, the Bildungsroman, Silvano Arieti’s The Parnas, Primo Levi’s Survival in Auschwitz, Aharon Appelfeld’s Badenheim 1939, and Elie Wiesel’s Night.

Rise of the Nazis

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the political and social environment of 1930s Germany, the Jewish question, and the treatment of evil in poetry.

Beginnings of war

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the conditions that were necessary for the Holocaust to occur, the early events of World War II, Thomas Kenneally’s Schindlers List, Andres Schwartz-Bart’s The Last of the Just, and questions of guilt and responsibility.

Witness to trauma

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the invasion of the Soviet Union, Thomas Kenneally’s Schindler’s List, and questions of witnessing. Guest speaker Dora Sorell shares her own experience of the Holocaust.

Establishment of the camps

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the establishment of labor and extermination camps, memorialization, Tadeusz Borowski’s This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Christopher Browning’s Ordinary Men.

Deportation and extermination

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the Holocaust in Western Europe, the complex history of Hungary, Imre Kertész’s Fatelessness, and Ida Fink’s A Scrap of Time.

The perpetrators, the neighbors, and the outside world

In this module Profs. Baumgarten and Kenez discuss the unique case of Romania, the culpability of the outside world, and the end of World War II. The text of Adolf Hitler’s last testament is provided.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the Holocaust from the perspectives of literature and history, giving a deeper understanding

Taught by recognized professors with expertise in Holocaust studies, ensuring a high-quality learning experience

Provides various activities such as readings, videos, and guest speakers, offering diverse learning experiences

Includes a guest speaker who shares personal experience of the Holocaust, offering a firsthand account

Examines the Holocaust from various viewpoints, including perpetrators, neighbors, and the outside world

Offers a supplement to on-campus Holocaust courses at the University of California, Santa Cruz

May require having a study partner for an enhanced learning experience

Reviews summary

Immersive holocaust course

Learners say this top-rated course on The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry presents both the history and the literature of the Holocaust. Students highly regard the engaging and thought-provoking lectures by Professors Kenez and Baumgarten, who often engage in enlightening discussions. They also value the inclusion of guest speakers and find that the course strikes a good balance between historical perspective and literary perspective. The assignments are valuable, but the course is time-consuming and would benefit from being shorter or split into two.

Widely praised by learners

"This was the best Coursera course I've ever taken."

"This is one of the best courses I have ever taken, either online or on campus."

"I very much like the interplay between the historical perspective and the literary perspective that the professors present."

Professors Kenez and Baumgarten are great lecturers with their own styles.

"Two wonderful lecturers! I liked that they are always present on stage and give inputs to each other."

"Their interactions are often humorous but also enlightening especially when they disagree."

"Both Drs. Kenez and Baumgarten are great lecturers"

Unique course that explores both the history and literature of the Holocaust.

"First of all the approach is different than any other Holocaust class I have ever taken before."

"It is about a 50/50 split between straight history and Holocoaust related literature."

"This is the way history should be taught - the literature, which are largely different kinds of memoirs, give the student a personal, experiential perspective on the factual circumstances surrounding Holocaust."

Be prepared for a lot of reading and assignments.

"So the best thing would be to only select this single course. ;-)"

"I do think the course is a bit lengthy and should be split in 2."

"You could spend the whole week on the material."

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: The Destruction of European Jewry with these activities:

Guided Tutorials on Holocaust History

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Guided tutorials can provide you with a structured learning experience and help you build a foundation in Holocaust history.

Browse courses on Holocaust

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Find online tutorials or courses on Holocaust history.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.

Find a Mentor in Holocaust Studies

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A mentor can provide you with guidance and support as you learn more about the Holocaust.

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Identify potential mentors in your field of interest.
Reach out to your potential mentors and introduce yourself.

Volunteer at a Holocaust Museum or Memorial

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Volunteering at a Holocaust museum or memorial can provide you with a hands-on learning experience and give you the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of Holocaust history.

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Contact a local Holocaust museum or memorial and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Join a Holocaust Discussion Group

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Joining a Holocaust discussion group can provide you with a supportive community where you can share your thoughts and learn from others.

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Find a local Holocaust discussion group or online forum.
Attend meetings or participate in online discussions regularly.

Review Primo Levi's Survival in Auschwitz

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Primo Levi's Survival in Auschwitz is a powerful memoir that provides a firsthand account of the horrors of the Holocaust. Reviewing this book can help you gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of Holocaust survivors.

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Read the book carefully, paying attention to Levi's experiences and insights.
Take notes on important passages.
Write a summary of the book.
Reflect on the book's implications for understanding the Holocaust.

Historical Analysis of Nazi Propaganda

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Nazi propaganda played a significant role in shaping public opinion and justifying the Holocaust. Analyzing Nazi propaganda can help you develop critical thinking skills and better understand the Holocaust's origins and consequences.

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Gather primary and secondary sources on Nazi propaganda.
Analyze the propaganda for its content, style, and intended audience.
Write an essay or give a presentation on your findings.

Create a Podcast Episode on the Holocaust

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Creating a podcast episode on the Holocaust can help you deepen your understanding of the subject and share your knowledge with others. It also allows you to explore different aspects of the Holocaust and engage with a wider audience.

Browse courses on Holocaust

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Choose a specific topic or theme to focus on.
Research your topic thoroughly.
Write a script for your podcast episode.
Record and edit your podcast episode.
Publish your podcast episode and promote it.

Career center

Learners who complete The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historical Researcher

Historical Researchers investigate historical events, analyze primary and secondary sources, and write articles, books, and other publications. The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will establish a foundation for your career by providing you with a comprehensive overview of the Holocaust, including its causes, key events, and aftermath. The course will also develop your critical thinking and research skills, which are essential for Historical Researchers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historical Researcher

Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and manage exhibitions, conduct research, and interpret collections for the public. The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this field. The course will give you a deep understanding of the Holocaust, as well as the museum studies field. You will also gain experience in curating exhibitions and working with the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Archivist

Archivists preserve, organize, and provide access to historical documents. The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field. The course will give you a deep understanding of the Holocaust, as well as the archival studies field. You will also gain experience in working with historical documents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field. The course will give you a deep understanding of the Holocaust, as well as the historical research field. You will also gain experience in conducting research and writing about history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and publish news stories. The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field. The course will give you a deep understanding of the Holocaust, as well as the journalistic field. You will also gain experience in writing and editing news stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will provide you with skills and knowledge that will be helpful in this field. The course will give you a deep understanding of the Holocaust, as well as the anthropological field. You will also gain experience in conducting research and writing about human behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Sociologist

Sociologists study society, social institutions, and social change. The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will provide you with skills and knowledge that will be helpful in this field. The course will give you a deep understanding of the Holocaust, as well as the sociological field. You will also gain experience in conducting research and writing about social issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Psychologist

Psychologists study the mind and behavior. The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will provide you with skills and knowledge that will be helpful in this field. The course will give you a deep understanding of the Holocaust, as well as the psychological field. You will also gain experience in conducting research and writing about human behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Educator

Educators teach students in a variety of settings. The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will provide you with skills and knowledge that will be helpful in this field. The course will give you a deep understanding of the Holocaust, as well as the educational field. You will also gain experience in teaching and developing curriculum.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educator

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry will provide you with skills and knowledge that will be helpful in this field. The course will give you a deep understanding of the Holocaust, as well as the library science field. You will also gain experience in working with information and helping people.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian