Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Introduction

The minor provides a solid foundation for further study of mass atrocities present and past, including the Holocaust. It prepares students to be knowledgeable, successful, and engaged members of society, and will enable them to work in and across disciplines to identify and creatively solve key societal problems, both local and global. Western Washington University is the only public institution in the state of Washington with a minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Mission Statement

The Holocaust and Genocide Studies minor combines historical understanding with a cross-disciplinary exploration of both the Holocaust and genocide. Students studying the Holocaust and genocide from a variety of disciplines will learn the tools to analyze, understand, and differentiate their underlying complexities and to work towards their prevention. Historical understanding, cultivation of critical consciousness, cultural and linguistic competencies, ethical awareness as well as political acumen are synonymous with effective leadership and engaged citizenship in a diverse campus community and a democratic society. Thus, the minor will serve to give greater prominence on our campus to the relationship between the lessons derived from the Holocaust and contemporary global challenges.

Faculty

BABAFEMI AKINRINADE, Professor, Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies.
SANDRA ALFERS, Professor, AATG German Center of Excellence, Department of Modern and Classical Languages.
SUSAN AMANDA EURICH, Professor, Department of History.
CHRISTOPHER C. FRIDAY, Professor, Department of History.
RACHEL PAUL, Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science.
SUSANNE RINNER, Visiting Associate Professor, Ray Wolpow Institute.
SARAH ELLEN ZARROW, Assistant Professor, Department of History.

Minor Declaration Process

Students who wish to declare a minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies are required to register with the Director or the director’s designee in Wilson Library 571/572. For program advisement hours, visit the institute’s website or schedule an advising appointment during advisement office hours by contacting wolpow.institute@wwu.edu.

Director: Dr. Sandra Alfers, Wilson Library 572, 360-650-7786, sandra.alfers@wwu.edu
Administrative Assistant: Sheila Pennell, Wilson Library 571, 360-650-7737, sheila.pennell@wwu.edu

Programs

Undergraduate Minor

Holocaust and Genocide Studies Minor

Courses

Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.