Module HPS-3402:
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

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Gareth Evans Jones

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.

Learning outcomes

Assessment Methods

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: