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 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 toward 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.

Minor Declaration Process

Students who wish to declare a minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies may do so at the following link: esign.wwu.edu/forms/Registrar/_minor_decl_and_change_3.aspx. Students may elect to register the minor within the Ray Wolpow Institute office in Wilson Library 571/572.

Advisement for the minor is available through the Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity. Advisors are Babafemi Akinrinade, akinrib@wwu.edu, 360-650-7737, or Sandra Alfers, alferss@wwu.edu, 360-650-7786. 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
Associate Director: Dr. Babafemi Akinrinade, Fairhaven College 337, 360-650-2893, akinrib@wwu.edu

Programs

Undergraduate Minor

Courses

Holocaust and Genocide Studies

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