Holocaust & Genocide Studies (B.A.)
Students examine both the Holocaust and the broader topic of genocide. The graduate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies is prepared to support curriculum development in the social studies and history, may pursue careers in social and governmental service, and may take a teaching certificate in elementary, special, or secondary (social studies) education. The major also prepares students for graduate studies in history as well as Holocaust and genocide studies, and for other post-graduate work, such as law and policymaking.
The program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies is rooted in the conviction that the Holocaust was a cataclysmic episode in the course of Western history, impacting culture, society, politics, ethics, science, and religion; indeed, no discipline in the academy is untouched by its shadow. In a world still tormented by mass murder and genocide, the program also rests on the moral imperative that learning from both the past and present may serve as a basis of hope for the future. The HGS program combines historical background with an interdisciplinary exploration of the Holocaust and other genocidal events through film, literature, philosophy, psychology, sociology, religious studies, women's studies, and other offerings. By understanding such issues as prejudice, discrimination, and racism, students are equipped to analyze contemporary political situations, think critically about ethical responsibility, and respond actively to injustice.
Students selecting a Holocaust and Genocide Studies major are required to complete 36 credit hours in the field, 16 of which (i.e., four courses) are specified below. Of the remaining 5 course electives (20 credits), one must be a Holocaust elective (4 credits) and one must be a genocide elective (4 credits), as designated by course title or description (see below). Three of the five electives (12 credits) must be at the 300-level or higher.
Integrative Studies Requirements
40 credits minimum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (36 credits) | ||
| Core Courses: | ||
| IIHGS-155 | Intro Holoc & Genocide Studies | 4 |
| IHHGS/IHHIST-252 | The Holocaust | 4 |
| HGS-374 | Comparative Genocide | 4 |
| HGS-495 | Seminar | 4 |
| Electives: | ||
| Select five courses (20 credits), one must be a Holocaust elective (four credits) and one must be a genocide elective (four credits), as specified by course title or description. Three of the five electives (12 credits) must be at the 300-level or higher. | 20 | |
| Holocaust-Specific Electives | ||
| Literature of the Holocaust | ||
| Women in the Holocaust | ||
| Holocaust Special Topics 1 | ||
| Philosophy and the Holocaust | ||
| Film and the Holocaust | ||
| Nazi Germany and the Holocaust | ||
| Holocaust Special Topics 1 | ||
| Holocaust Special Topics 1 | ||
| Senior Honors (Holocaust must be specified in course description) | ||
| Internship (Holocaust must be specified in course description) | ||
| Independent Study (Holocaust must be specified in course description) | ||
| Genocide-Specific Electives | ||
| Crisis and Conflict in Africa | ||
| Peace Studies | ||
| Genocide Special Topics 1 | ||
| Genocide Special Topics 1 | ||
| Human Trafficking Across the Globe | ||
| Transitional Justice | ||
| Rwandan Society and Genocide | ||
| Genocide Special Topics 1 | ||
| Senior Honors (Genocide must be specified by course title) | ||
| Internship (Genocide must be specified in course description) | ||
| Independent Study (Genocide must be specified in course description) | ||
| Other Electives | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Comparative Religion | ||
| A History of the Jews | ||
| The Second World War | ||
| Imperial Germany | ||
| Race, Disability, and Eugenics | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
Special Topics courses that fulfill Holocaust electives will have designations that end in 90. Special Topics courses that fulfill Genocide electives will have designations that end in 70.
Certification as a Social Studies Teacher
Holocaust and Genocide Studies is an approved major for students seeking Secondary Social Studies Certification. Students will need to take the following additional Certification requirements:
Dual Major in Education
- Secondary Education
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Major Requirements | ||
| IHHIST-161 | American Encounters to 1877 | 4 |
| IHHIST-162 | American Encounters From 1877 | 4 |
| IHHIST-111 | The Ancient and Medieval World | 4 |
| IHHIST-112 | The Modern World | 4 |
| ISECON-104 | Introduction to Macroeconomics | 4 |
| ISENST-203 | Globalization Culture & Place | 4 |
| ISPSYC-101 | General Psychology | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
100- to 200-level Sociology course | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| ISPOSC-210 | United States Politics | 4 |
| or ISPOSC-220 | International Relations | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Electives
Select courses to reach a total of 120 credits for the degree.
Degree Requirements
120 credits
40 credits at the upper-level
Upon completion of the Holocaust & Genocide Studies major students will demonstrate:
- Critical knowledge of the Holocaust, its historical and precipitating factors, and an appreciation of its leesons and legacy through multiple disciplines and perspectives.
- Understanding of the concept of genocide, as distinct from mass atrocity, and the circumstances under which it can occur, its precipitating factors, and its legacy.
- An understanding of relevant ethical issues such as prejudice, discrimination, and racism.
- The ability to think critically, and write and speak effectively, about issues related to genocide and the Holocaust.
- An ability to do independent research, exploring and evaluating primary and secondary sources, articulating a clearly formulated thesis or question, and drawing appropriate conclusions.