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The Holocaust OpenCourseWare: A Free Bachelor Level History Course on the Holocaust by The Open University

Published Feb 12, 2009

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In 1933 there were approximately nine million Jews residing in the 21 European nations that were eventually occupied by Germany during World War II. By 1945 two-thirds of them had been killed. In addition, hundreds of thousands of Gypsies, disabled people and others deemed 'undesirables' were victims of what has become known as the Holocaust. 'The Holocaust, a free OpenCourseWare that is being offered by The Open University, examines the systematic annihilation of Europe's Jewish population. Students interested in world history, Jewish history or World War II will enhance their understanding of this subject matter by completing this advanced undergraduate-level course.

The Holocaust: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

The Holocaust: Course Description

Soon after Adolph Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, the government began putting into action their racial ideology, which was based on the premise that Germans were 'racially superior' and that there was a battle for continued existence between the Aryan race of Germans and the inferior groups and races, including Africans, Jews, Gypsies and mentally and physically disabled people. Starting in 1933, Germany implemented laws that required Jewish citizens to give up their civil servant jobs. By 1937 Jews were forced to give up their businesses and properties for little or no compensation. Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939 was the start of World War II and the beginning of Nazi Germany's systematic attempt to exterminate Europe's Jewish population. 'The Holocaust,' a free, online course that is provided by The Open University's Arts and History Department, takes a detailed look at the dynamics surrounding the genocide of European Jews and its effect on the progression of civilization on the continent. Students will develop an understanding of the subject from the study of several topics, such as anti-Semitism, eugenics and anti-Jewish policies in the Nazi government. Students will also study how Adolph Hitler influenced world history. This undergraduate-level course will take about 12 hours to complete.

The materials for this unit consist of online unit notes and can be downloaded in a variety of formats. In addition students have access to several tools that include a learning journal, a discussion forum and knowledge map. If you are interested in taking this course, visit the Holocaust history course page.

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