Module HPS-2402:
The Holocaust: Philosophical and Religious Responses

Module Facts

Run by School of History, Law and Social Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Overall aims and purpose

The aim of this module is to assess the varying philosophical, theological and religious responses among Jews and Christians to one of the greatest atrocities of the twentieth century, the Holocaust. In addition, due attention will be payed to the responses of certain 'minority' groups who suffered during the Holocaust, namely, gypsies, homosexual people, and Jehovah's Witnesses. In relation to this, we will consider various works of literature, art and film in order to appreciate the various modes of responses which have been produced up to the present day.

Course content

The module will begin with a brief overview of the historical background of how and why the Holocaust came about. Following this introduction, consideration will be given to the theological responses among Jewish and Christian establishments and individuals. Among those discussed will be Elie Wiesel, Emil Fackenheim, Richard L. Rubenstein, Saul Friedländer; Jürgen Moltmann and the Second Vatican Council. In this respect, various themes will be studied, including the death of God, the concept of the ‘new revelation of God’ in the Holocaust, and the development of the Jewish-Christian dialogue. Having done so, attention will be given to how other communities have responded to the Holocaust, namely the Jehovah’s Witnesses, gypsy groups and homosexual communities. The module will conclude by considering how modern society remembers and perceives the Holocaust.

Assessment Criteria

good

Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: • Very good structure and logically developed arguments. • Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. • Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

threshold

Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: • Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. • Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. • Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. • Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

C- to C+

Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: • Good structure and logically developed arguments. • At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. • Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

excellent

Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: • Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. • Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study. • Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate articulacy in identifying underlying issues in a wide variety of debates with regards to the philosophical and religious responses to the Holocaust.

  2. Demonstrate precision of thought and expression in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems with how people have responded to the matter of the Holocaust.

  3. Show the ability to construct rationally persuasive arguments for or against specific philosophical claims with regards to the Holocaust as an event and how communities and individuals have responded to it.

  4. Show the ability to consider unfamiliar ideas and ways of thinking, and to examine critically presuppositions and methods within the discipline itself.

Assessment Methods

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

Students are expected to attend 22 hours of interactive lectures that will aid in developing their knowledge of the subject at hand.

 22
Seminar

Students will be expected to engage in 11 one hour seminars during the semester to discuss a variety of topics linked to the subject at hand.

 11
Private study

Students are expected to undertake 168 hours of private study. A reading list will be provided and guidance will be given to students in order to make the most of their independent study.

 167

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: