HIS2319 – More than Mass Murder: the Holocaust and Genocidal Policies in the Long Twentieth Century
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The course provides an introduction to the field of Comparative Genocide Studies, with an initial focus on the destruction of the European Jews. It will cover perpetrators and victims, bystanders and collaborators, as well as a range of contexts in which mass extermination took place. Ideological prerequisites which fueled mass murder will figure alongside the post-war attempts to tackle the crimes by judicial means. With this basis established, a comparative perspective will be assumed by looking into other (modern) cases of mass extermination - from colonial rule to post-Cold War conflicts - which have been labelled genocides.
The course has two agendas. First, it will provide a sound empirical basis and understanding of the Holocaust as well as of its historiography. Second, by shedding light on other case studies, the merits of ‘genocide’ and related categories will be explored and the perennial question of the political implications of terminological choices discussed. The course will also look at its subject from different methodological angles. Standard textual sources will be employed along with audio and various visual materials; the ‘history of events’ will be accompanied by analysis of representations and discursive practices.
Learning outcome
Students are expected to:
- Acquire a sound understanding of the Holocaust, its protagonists and dynamics, as well as its historiography.
- Reflect on the analytical and political implications of terminology such as ‘genocide’ and differentiate between various usages.
- Compare different ‘genocides’ and discuss the merits of such comparative perspectives.
- Develop methodological skills to deal with a broad array of source materials.
- Develop skills to critically research, read, discuss, and write about a set of historiographical arguments and a variety of historical evidence.
- Engage in interdisciplinary debate.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
30 credits in humanities or social sciences.
A good ability to read, understand and write English is required for this course.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with HIS4319 – Inventing Mass Extermination. The Holocaust and Genocidal Policies in the Twentieth Century.
Teaching
The course consists of twelve seminars, each lasting two teaching hours.
The course is based on student attendance and student activity during discussions in class. Attendance in class is expected, and active participation is essential. Students are required to read the assigned texts in advance.
Compulsory assignments:
- In order to qualify for the exam, all students must submit a term paper proposal (1-2 pages), including a?preliminary bibliography, for their proposed term paper. The topic is of their choosing but within the framework of the course. The project proposal is to be uploaded in Canvas and must be approved by the teacher. More information will be given in class.
Examination
The course is assessed by a term paper of 4500 - 5000 words, notes included. Attachments and bibliography are not included in the word count.
A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.
If you?withdraw from the exam?after the deadline, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
The term paper is to be submitted through Inspera. The file must be submitted in pdf-format and we stress that the student is responsible for making sure that the files are readable.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.