Course Title: The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich Course No.: Hist 520 Seminar Professor: Fr. Richard Rolfs S.J.

Nazi Symbol

Prerequisites: Hist 101 Western Traditions or the equivalent

Course Description:
  Objectives: To provide a comprehensive treatment of National Socialism- its presuppositions, rule &    after effects. The seminar will combine historical description with a critical analysis and interpretation of German political, social, and cultural life as these are reflected in the rise and fall of Nazi Germany.

Content:  (1) The preconditions and origins of National Socialism; (2) The ideology and character of National Socialism; (3) The road to power; (4) The formation of the Third Reich; (5) Economy & Society in transition; (6) The sire of the SS state; (7) The decline of culture; (8) Hitler & Europe: Foreign Policy, 1933-39; (9) Hitler’s war, 1939-45; (10) The Jewish question & the “final solution”; (11) The destruction of the Third Reich; (12) Some reflections on the “Nazi Revolution”.

Texts and required readings:

• Wm. S. Allen  The Nazi Seizure of a Town
• G. Moose  The Crisis on German Ideology

Course Format:
 Seminar style, i.e., discussion of assigned readings preceeded by explanatory lectures; the use of films, slides, and tapes.

Course work:

• Read materials assigned for each seminar and prepare a brief, written analysis of the readings.
• Each student will be assigned to lead the discussion portion of the seminar.
• Final Exam

Suitability for elective for non-majors:
 This course is designed to provide history majors with the opportunity to fulfill the seminar requirement. The seminar is limited to 15 students.

Comment: “Deutchland ist Hamlet! Ernst und stumm in seinen Toren jede Nachtgeht die begranbne Freiheit um, und winkt den Männern auf der Wacht.”  -Ferdinand Freiligrath