Holocaust Literature Study

         

"Arbeit Macht Frei" (Work Brings Freedom) was the sign over the gates of Auschwitz. It was

placed there by Major Rudolf Hoss, commandant of the camp.

Big Questions

1.  What lessons can we learn from the Holocaust? 2.  How can literature help us understand the human

experience?  With your partner brainstorm a list of:• lessons we might learn from the Holocaust• any Holocaust literature you are familiar with

What is the Holocaust?The Holocaust was the state-sponsored, systematic persecution and annihiliation of European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators between 1933 and 1945.  Jews were the primary victims:  six million were murdered.  Gypsies, the handicapped, and Polish people were also targeted for destruction or decimation for racial, ethnic, or national reasons.  Millions more including:  homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Russian prisoners of war, and political dissidents also suffered grievous oppression and death under Nazi tyranny.  Eleven million people were murdered during the Holocaust. With your partner:• record words you aren't familiar with• key words• questions you might have

    

What does 11 million people look like? 

11 million people approximately equal the populations of: 

Colorado: 5.9 millionKansas: 2.8 millionUtah:            2.7 millionMontana: 900 thousand 

Of those 11 million victims 1.5 million were children. 

  Quick Write:  Why study the Holocaust?

Why study the Holocaust?1.  A study of the Holocaust helps us think about the use and abuse of power and the roles and responsibilities of individuals, organizations, and nations when confronted with civil rights violations and/or policies of genocide. 2.  The Holocaust provides a context for exploring the dangers of remaining silent, apathetic, and indifferent in the face of others' oppression. 3.  Using literature as a vehicle for studying the Holocaust helps us develop as readers, writers, and thinkers.  Being an informed and active citizen in a global society requires advanced literacy skills. What do you hope to learn from our study of the Holocaust?

How can studying the Holocaust make an impact on today's

students?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLDL566f_20     

During this unit we will use a variety of literature to help us answer the two big questions.  Much of the literature will contain horrific and disturbing descriptions or visual images. 

To avoid “revictimizing” the victims and to be respectful of their memories, as well as the thoughts and feelings of our classmates, what behaviors should be expected during this literature study?  Brainstorm a list of what our classroom discussions look like and sound like. What are some things you can do if you have questions, concerns, or just

need to talk about what you encounter in our literature study? 

  

How could the Holocaust happen?

The Terrible ThingsAn Allegory of the Holocaust

In Europe, during World War II, many people looked the other way while terrible things happened.  They pretended not to know that their neighbors were being taken away and locked in concentration camps.  They pretended not to hear their cries for help.  The Nazis killed millions of Jews and others in the Holocaust.  If everyone had stood together at the first sign of evil would this have happened? Standing up for what you know is right is not always easy.  Especially if the one you face is bigger and stronger than you.  It is easier to look the other way.  But if you do, terrible things can happen.                    -Eve Bunting

Based on what we read in the book, Terrible Things, what do you think one of the reasons the Holocaust was able to happen?• justify your answer with

details from the story

How were the victims oppressed?

http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/focus/antisemitism/voices/transcript/?content=20090226

Was there resistance?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du47gpx39mM

Why should we remember?

Quick Write:  • Think about why we should remember the Holocaust.• Share your thoughts with your partner.• Write your best guess answer to the question (Why

should we remember?). 

The Holocaust was NOT an accident in History

• It happened because individuals, organizations, and governments made choices that legalized discrimination and allowed prejudice, hatred, and finally mass murder to occur

We must value our rights as citizens and take responsibility for our actions.

Understanding history fosters perspective-taking, critical thinking, and moral decision making.

History is the result of choices made by countless individuals and groups. Even the smallest of those decisions can have enormous consequences for both good and evil.

What lessons can we learn about the Holocaust?

How can literature help us understand the human experience?By the end of our Holocaust literature study you will be able

to tell others what lessons you have learned about the Holocaust.  You will demonstrate your understanding of the lessons learned from the Holocaust and also your understanding of how we use literature as a record of the human experience.  So, as we journey through the literature of the Holocaust keep thinking about how the writers, poets, essayists, memoirists, artists, and film makers present their messages and how you might choose to present yours.

Exit Slip

On your exit slip write: 3 - things you learned 2 - things that left you wondering 1 - final response