Outline

Overview

This unit provides an in-depth study of the Holocaust. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of Nazi ideology, in particular racial antisemitism, and the gradual implementation of this policy towards the Jews and other victim groups from 1933 to 1945. Other themes focus on the responses of the victims and the role of the by-standers, as well as post-war politics of memory and other issues, including Holocaust denial and war crimes prosecution.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture or 12 credit points at 2000 level in European Studies or 12 credit points at 2000 level in History
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Gregory Uzelac, gregory.uzelac@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Discussion board posts Discussion board post	15%	Multiple weeks Due date: 28 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Oct 2026	2x250 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Class participation Class participation	10%	Ongoing	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research proposal/annotated bibliography Research proposal/annotated bibliography	25%	Week 06 Due date: 09 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Sep 2026	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research essay Research essay	50%	Week 12 Due date: 28 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 Nov 2026	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found in the Canvas site for this unit.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work demonstrates an excellent analytical framework discussed in depth and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a wide range of primary and secondary sources to excellent effect; provides a thoughtful and original discussion of well-chosen examples/case studies; makes skilled use of writing style appropriate to the task; shows a high level of creativity and critical thinking.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work demonstrates a sound analytical framework discussed to some depth and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a wide range of primary and secondary sources to good effect; provides a coherent and in-depth discussion of well-chosen examples/case studies; makes skilled use of writing style appropriate to the task; shows originality and depth of reflection.
Credit	65 - 74	Work demonstrates a sound analytical framework and knowledgeable engagement with the topic; uses a good range of primary and secondary sources to good effect; discusses well-chosen examples/case studies in some detail; employs a clear and mostly correct writing style appropriate to the task; shows original and critical thinking.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrates at least a minimal analytical framework and engagement with the topic; a clear and coherent discussion in a writing style appropriate to the task; uses a limited but well-chosen range of primary and secondary sources and demonstrates a reasonable understanding of them; uses appropriate examples.
Fail	0 - 49	Work has no analytical framework and demonstrates insufficient engagement with the topic and primary and secondary sources; responses do not reflect the subject, are unclear or confused, and do not reveal an adequate understanding of the topic or sources.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	What was the Holocaust? An Introduction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Unit Overview	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	1. ‘A People Apart?’ European Jewry prior to the Holocaust; 2. Classical Antisemitism through Nazi Ideology - Guest Lecturer: Dr. Robert Rozett	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	1. ‘A People Apart?’ European Jewry prior to the Holocaust; 2. Classical Antisemitism through Nazi Ideology	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	1. 1939-1941: Invasion and Incarceration; 2. Perpetrators, a Reassessment and/or The Intimacy of Persecution - Guest Lecturer: Dr. Robert Rozett	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	1. 1939-1941: Invasion and Incarceration; 2. Perpetrators, a Reassessment and/or The Intimacy of Persecution	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	The Life and Death of a German-Jewish Community: Magdeburg as a Micro-Study - Guest Lecturer: Dr. Michael Abrahams-Sprod	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	The Life and Death of a German-Jewish Community: Magdeburg as a Micro-Study	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Non-Jewish victims of Nazi Persecution: The Euthanasia Program. (Aktion T4) and the pathway to Eichmann's Endlösung - Guest Lecturer: Assoc Prof Michael Robertson	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Non-Jewish victims of Nazi Persecution: The Euthanasia Program. (Aktion T4) and the pathway to Eichmann's Endlösung	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	1. 1941-45: The Years of Extermination Operation Barbarossa and the radicalisation of the Final Solution; 2. Mass shootings: From “Ordinary Men” to Genocidal Killers	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	1. 1941-45: The Years of Extermination Operation Barbarossa and the radicalisation of the Final Solution; 2. Mass shootings: From “Ordinary Men” to Genocidal Killers	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	1.The Camp System and the Final Solution; 2. Life in the Camps: A Prisoner’s Perspective	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	1.The Camp System and the Final Solution; 2. Life in the Camps: A Prisoner’s Perspective	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	1. War Crimes Trials; 2. Holocaust Denial in Australia - Guest Lecturer: Professor Konrad Kwiet	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	1. War Crimes Trials; 2. Holocaust Denial in Australia	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	1. In Focus: The Holocaust in the Balkans, Greece, and North Africa; 2. Resistance and the Righteous	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	1. In Focus: The Holocaust in the Balkans, Greece, and North Africa; 2. Resistance and the Righteous	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	1. Liberation; 2. Debates and Dilemmas in Holocaust Historiography: The Holocaust and Genocide	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	1. Liberation; 2. Debates and Dilemmas in Holocaust Historiography: The Holocaust and Genocide	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	1. Aftermath: DP Camps and New Migrations; 2. Holocaust Representation in Media, Art, and Memorial	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	1. Aftermath: DP Camps and New Migrations; 2. Holocaust Representation in Media, Art, and Memorial	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	The Ruins of Memory: Working with Testimony - Guest Lecturer: Dr. Jonathan Kaplan	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	The Ruins of Memory: Working with Testimony	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	The Holocaust In the Digital Era: Post-Internet Remembrance and Online Disinformation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	The Holocaust In the Digital Era: Post-Internet Remembrance and Online Disinformation	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board which will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.

Lecture Recording: Lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.

Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Artificial Intelligence: Controlled use of AI is permitted in different capacities for different assignments. A detailed overview of this policy will occur in the tutorial for Week 1.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please refer to the Canvas site Reading List and the weekly modules on Canvas for all readings, in addition to Announcements by the Unit Coordinator.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of Jewish religion and practice as well as the Jewish historical experience over the longue durée.
LO2. Demonstrate specialised, in-depth knowledge of one or more aspects of Jewish civilisation, thought and culture (e.g. Holocaust history, modern Jewish thought, Israel studies).
LO3. Apply sophisticated theoretical tools to the study of Jewish civilisation, thought and culture including history (including intellectual history and transnational history), and/or religious studies.
LO4. Demonstrate thorough familiarity with and capacity to critically analyse, scholarly and non-scholarly resources available to scholars of Jewish civilisation, thought and culture.
LO5. Apply insights gained within Jewish civilisation, thought and culture to critically analyse current scholarship and engage confidently in critical debate in the broad disciplinary area.
LO6. Demonstrate sound competency in research-informed academic writing and referencing, as well as competency in other written genres such as reports and literature reviews.
LO7. Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills, professional ethics and cultural competence.
LO8. Effectively apply skills and knowledge from the study of Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture to issues encountered in an interdisciplinary context.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Based on feedback from 2020, the unit has been restructured and more learning resources will be incorporated throughout the semester.

Additional information

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

JCTC3002: The Holocaust: History and Aftermath

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links