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New and Updated Course Descriptions

ENG 108 - Literature of the Holocaust

3 Credits

Studying the literature of the Holocaust, students will examine the societal factors that led to the systematic and state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jewish men, women, and children, as well as to the targeted persecution and murder of other groups perceived as racially or biologically inferior by the Nazis, such as the Roma, gay men, and people with disabilities. Reading, analyzing, and reflecting on works of literature, including poetry, memoir, fiction, and film, by authors from a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, students will deepen their understanding of how the intersectionality of race, gender, and class affects the formation of individual and group identities. Students will also consider concepts such as power and subjugation, complicity and resistance, and memory and forgiveness in the context of the Holocaust.

Prerequisite(s):ENG 101; or equivalent; or instructor permission (ENG 101 can be taken as a co-requisite)

New SUNY General Education:
SUNY - Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
SUNY - Humanities

MCC General Education: MCC-AH - Arts and Humanities (MAH), MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO)

Course Learning Outcomes
1.Examine the Holocaust in its historical and cultural contexts, including past and contemporary conceptions of race, religion, class, gender, sexual orientation, or ability.
2.Identify ethical issues central to understanding the dehumanization of Jewish communities, and other populations marginalized based on race, religion, class, gender, sexual orientation, or ability.
3.Analyze the role that complex networks of social, legal, and governmental structures play in the creation and perpetuation of the dynamics of power, privilege, oppression, hate, and genocide.
4.Evaluate texts, visual images, or artifacts related to the Holocaust to critically reflect on concepts such as complicity and resistance, memory and forgiveness.
5.Write a thesis-driven essay using literature as a primary source.
6.Apply appropriate formal conventions when writing about literature.

Course Offered Fall, Spring

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024