Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Minor

Introduction

The minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies provides students from all backgrounds with a broad interdisciplinary study of the Holocaust and other genocidal atrocities of the 20th and 21st centuries, including indigenous genocides, the Armenian Genocide, Cambodia, Rwanda and Darfur.

Studies about the Holocaust and other genocides address a central tenet of education: What does it mean to be a responsible citizen in a democratic society? Such study can help students realize the following.

• The genocide of the Jews during World War II and the Nazi Era was a “watershed event” in human history.

• Democratic institutions and values are not automatically sustained but need to be appreciated, nurtured, and protected.

• Silence and indifference to the suffering of others, or to the infringement of human and civil rights in any society—however unintentionally—serves to perpetrate the problems.

• Genocide is not an “accident” of history—genocide occurs because individuals, organizations and governments make choices that not only legalize discrimination but allow prejudice, hatred and ultimately mass murder to occur.

• Comparative study of the Holocaust and other genocides prepares us to understand contemporary risks of genocide around the world.

• Learning to think deeply and critically about the social, cultural, and political processes that enable prejudice is crucial to understanding genocidal atrocities throughout history. 

In view of the State of New Jersey Holocaust and Genocide Education Mandate requiring the study of the Holocaust and genocide-related issues as part of school curricula, some of the courses in the minor may be attractive to students who may eventually want to obtain certification in education. The Holocaust and genocide minor provides a good preparation for Stockton undergraduate students who plan, after graduation, to enroll in the University’s Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies (MAHG) program.

Program Organization

A range of relevant classes is offered under both General Studies and program acronyms. These undergraduate courses provide the opportunity for a broad overall investigation of Holocaust and Genocide Studies as well as an in-depth consideration of specific issues related to these areas.

 Courses relevant to the minor are offered every semester and are open to any student at Stockton, and on a space-available basis, to non-matriculated students. Every formal course in the minor carries four credits. Independent study courses may also be carried out with faculty members who teach in the minor. However, no more than one independent study course may be used toward meeting the requirements of the minor and that independent study course cannot be one of the two required courses.

Requirements for Completion of the Minor

There are no specific requirements for admission into the program. However, students are required to meet with the Coordinator of Holocaust and Genocide Studies to complete the necessary paperwork for advising purposes. There are no minimum grade requirements beyond those required by the University for graduation.

Completion of the minor requires students to take and pass a minimum of 20 credits—five courses, each of which is four credits—related to the minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.  This includes two required courses: GSS 2240, The Holocaust and GAH 2114, Perspectives on Genocide. A minimum of three additional courses in Holocaust and Genocide Studies beyond the two required courses must be completed.

 Special Opportunities and Resources

Students are eligible to apply to Stockton University’s Foundation for undergraduate scholarship awards specifically designed for undergraduate students with a proven interest in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. These include the Berkman–Chipkin Holocaust & Genocide Studies Endowment and Koopman-van de Kar Scholarship among others.

The Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center is a joint project of Stockton University and the Federation of Jewish Agencies of Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Opened in 1990, the Center serves as a focal point for the study of the Holocaust and other genocides. The Center houses artifacts and oral histories, in addition to many books and media resources. Students are able to complete an internship for academic credit at the Center. The Center is easily accessible. Its trained and experienced staff is available to provide guidance for research projects and resources for implementing the NJ Holocaust and Genocide Studies Mandate (grades K-12). Stockton University has very strong library and media collections in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, which are always being enlarged with the acquisition of new print, media, and audio-visual holdings.

The Ida E. King Distinguished Visiting Professor of Holocaust Studies brings to Stockton on a rotating basis, for one or two semesters each year, scholars of international renown to teach about the Holocaust and other genocides and to pursue scholarly work in their field.

Faculty who teach in the area of Holocaust and Genocide Studies come from a variety of disciplines and from various schools of the University. In addition to the Undergraduate Minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Stockton also offers a Master of Arts degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Opportunities for relevant overseas study are available through Stockton University’s Office of Global Engagement.  In addition, on a bi-annual basis, Faculty Led Study Tour programs for credit are available for undergraduate and graduate students to sites related to the Holocaust.  Holocaust survivors often accompany the study tour group.

Full details about the curriculum are accessible on the Holocaust and Genocide Studies website.