Sources classes 2900-JSM-ZSPEC

The Holocaust in Poland is one of the most explored topics by the contemporary Polish historiography. The Shoah and phenomena related to the Nazi genocide attract the attention of not only a narrow circle of researchers but also serve as subjects of political and media debates. Furthermore, the Holocaust often electricizes Polish general public. This interest in the Holocaust results in the growing number of scholarly works but also in numerous non-academic publications and public statements which need to be critically viewed by professional historians. The course introduces students to different types of historical sources utilized in Holocaust research. Through its seminar character, the course offers an opportunity to enhance skills useful in conducting historical research as well as in critical reading of other historians’ works and non-academic publications on the history of the Holocaust.

Type of course

obligatory courses

Prerequisites (description)

Willingness to participate in the course and to learn, systematic preparation for the class

Course coordinators

Term 2025Z:

Łukasz Krzyżanowski
Anna Michałowska-Mycielska

Term 2024Z:

Maria Antosik-Piela
August Grabski

Learning outcomes

During the course students are introduced to different types of historical sources utilized in Holocaust research. After completing the course students are able to recognize different types of sources and to analyze them. Knowledge and skills acquired through participation in this course can prove useful during one’s own research but also contribute to independent and critical reading of academic and non-academic works on the history of the Holocaust.

Assessment criteria

attendance, preparation for the class (reading assigned texts), participation in classroom discussions (continuous assessment, individual assignments (reaction papers)

Bibliography

Detailed list of topics and the reading list will be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Term 2025Z:

During the course students will be introduced to various types of historical sources, such as:
- Photographs and documentaries,
- Testimonies and memoires,
- Diaries and letters,
- German administration documents,
- Press,
- Poetry and literature,
- Trial documentation,
- Audiovisual testimonies (USC Shoah Foundation, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies, Yahad-In Unum.)

The reading list will be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2900-JSM-ZSPEC in USOSweb