Rosemary Bell, Professor
History 680SA, The Holocaust
CRN: 43132
T/TH 9:35-10:50 am, room 1-1107
Office Hours: MWF 11-noon, TTh 12:30-1 pm or by appt.
Email: bellro@smccd.edu
Voicemail: 650 738-4213
Website: http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/bellro/

History 680SA - The Holocaust

Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100, 105 or equivalent. Transfer credit: CSU.

Course Description:

"Where is God Now?" - Elie Wiesel, Night

This course will attempt to put the Holocaust into historical perspective and reflect on its meaning and impact on contemporary society. We will study such topics as Western anti-semitism and its impact on Nazi Germany, the extermination of not only the Jews, but other "subhumans", the bureaucracy that was created to carry out the "Final Solution", the victims, bystanders, perpetrators, heroes and heroines, efforts for survival and resistance, war crimes, and the moral, ethical and philosophical implications. We will also look at genocide.

Required Book:
The Complete Maus, Art Spiegelman.  Pantheon Books. USBN 978-0-679-40641-9. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book tells the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Europe, and his son, a cartoonist coming to terms with his father's story. Vladek's harrowing narrative is woven into the author's account of his anguished relationship with his aging father. Other readings will be assigned.

Course Objectives:
We all have assumptions about the Holocaust. I did.  Try to discard the notion that you already know all that is to be known about the Holocaust and search for new truths and ideas. 

This course: This course is not rote memorization. This course works better when everyone is involved and is thinking. This course is mostly a writing course. This course will require your participation and make you stretch. Think about whether this course is for you.

Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course I hope you will be able to do the following:

1. Communicate effectively your ideas both orally and in writing.
2. Develop critical reading and interpretative skills.
3. Understand and apply definitions of words and strengthen your vocabulary.
4. Listen responsively and attempt to maintain a level of open mindedness.
5. Apply ideas and concepts from the Holocaust to present day global events.

Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities include reading the required assignments before coming to class. I do expect students to participate actively in their learning. I do expect students to ask questions if things are not clear.

It is your responsibility to let me know if you're having difficulties with the course or any personal issues that might arise. I can help.

It is your responsibility to track your progress. Please keep any handouts, quizzes, and returned papers.
 
Attendance:
It is important that you come to class. You will be allowed four absences, any over this number and I will deduct three points for each additional absence from your final grade. Chronic lateness will also be penalized by a deduction of ten points at the end of the semester. I have the option of dropping you from the class for missing six or more classes, chronic lateness or poor academic performance. I will advise you via email if I intend to drop you from the course.

Please do not think that you will pass this class just by handing in assignments. Class participation and attendance are a part of your grade.

Exams:
There are numerous ways to assess your success in the class. First, is by class participation. Second, is by written assessments. Keep up with the readings, come to class, ask for help and you shouldn't have any difficulty.

Assignments:
You can earn a total of 400 pts. for this class.

1. Final Exam - 100 pts.
 (TBA)
2. Writing Assignment on Maus - 100 pts.
3. Holocaust Museum assignment/s - 100 pts.
4. Question responses and/or personal reflection
- 90 pts.
5. Class Participation - 10 pts.

NOTE: Once the semester officially ends I will grade you on all of the materials that are in my possession.
 
Grading Breakdown
400-365 =A
365-330 =B
330-295 =C
295-260 =D
below 260 =F
 

Please:

1. Be ready, willing and able to go!
2. If you are going to be absent for more than one consecutive class, please call or email me. This is for your protection as well as mine.
3. If you need to leave early please let me know before class begins.
4. Please do not give me elaborate excuses as to why you weren't in class or why you did not do the assignments. I'll respect you more if you tell me the truth.
5. Please be courteous and respectful of others.

Students With Disabilities:
In coordination with the DSPS office, reasonable accommodation will be provided for eligible students with disabilities. If you do not yet have an accommodation letter, please contact the DSPS office and meet with an advisor. (650) 738-4280.

Basic Information:
1. Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class. For each weekday an assignment is late I will deduct 10 pts.
2. There is no extra credit available. You already have enough to do.
3. If you simply stop attending class and do not withdraw through Admissions and Records you will receive an F grade.
4. Attendance will be taken daily.
5. Please turn off all electronic equipment before class begins. In case of emergency - and only in these cases - the cell phone may be placed in silent mode.  At no times are cell phones to be answered or used in class for any purposes.
6. No computers will be allowed for note-taking unless you have a signed DSPS authorization.
7. All submitted work must be typed (double-spaced) and stapled with your G# on it. 
8. Each student has the obligation to know and uphold the College Rules and Regulations. Students who engage in disruptive behavior-conduct that interferes with the instructional, administrative, or service functions of the course-can be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from the course and/or college. Specifically, cell phone interruptions, the use of iPods, habitual profanity or vulgarity and continued willful disobedience will result in disciplinary action.

Integrity:

I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of maintaining and respecting academic integrity. What we're talking about is cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is the act of obtaining academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent acts. Plagiarism is taking someone else's work and passing it off as your own. I have "zero tolerance" for cheating and plagiarism. If I catch you plagiarizing (and believe me I will!), you may receive an F for the course. If you want to discuss this further please see me or check out page 24 in the Skyline College catalog.
 
My door is always open should you have questions, concerns or problems.
 

Sp. 2012