The course is designed as a facilitated discussion, encouraging participants to articulate their personal responses to the Holocaust, and encouraging the consideration of multiple perspectives. By introducing participants to an alternate way of thinking about the Holocaust, we hope they will find that the subject has new relevance to them, and that they will be encouraged to explore this topic further on their own.
Each lesson centers on a question that will be explored in the course of the one and a half hour session. Students are encouraged to reflect on this question before class, so that the study will be more focused. During each class, students will critically examine 10-15 classical and contemporary texts relating to the class theme. These texts will serve as the basis of class discussion. Classes incorporate reflective exercises, audiovisual aids, paired work, and small group discussion in order to help spur meaningful interaction.
The student source book contains supplementary readings in addition to the core readings. Students are encouraged to read these after class to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the course material. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in an online forum in which they will be able to share reactions to readings and to the issues raised.
A unique feature of this course offering is that it will be offered simultaneously worldwide at over 300 Jewish Learning Institute affiliate centres this May. Thus there is the possibility of registered students engaging with a broader community of learners if they wish.
For JLI's Virtual Living Holocaust Memorial, see www.BeyondNeverAgain.com