The Holocaust and the Totalitarian Society

This course offers an introduction to the Holocaust as a historical phenomenon. It begins with an overview of Jewish cultural history and religion, focusing on Jewish life in Europe before the genocide, followed by a survey of the development of antisemitism from the Middle Ages to the nationalist and racial-biological ideologies of the 20th century. The course also examines the rise of European totalitarianism and its role in enabling mass murder, along with the structures, actors, and events that shaped the policies of extermination. You study how the Holocaust unfolded differently across various European countries and are introduced to key concepts within Holocaust studies, such as perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. Through engagement with sources and research literature, the course develops your ability to critically analyse historical material and reflect on the significance of the Holocaust from both contemporary and historical perspectives.