Introduction
This minor combines historical understanding with a cross-disciplinary exploration of both the Holocaust and genocide, and other mass atrocities. 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.
Why Consider a Holocaust and Genocide Studies Minor?
The minor provides a solid foundation for further study of mass atrocities present and past, including the Holocaust. It prepares you to be knowledgeable, successful, and engaged members of society, and will enable you 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.
Student Resources
Website: Ray Wolpow Institute
Contact information:
- Interim Director of the Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity: Dr. Babafemi Akinrinade, Fairhaven 337, 360-650-2893, akinrib@wwu.edu
- Administrative Assistant of the Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity: Hailey Rieman, Wilson Library 571, 360-650-6190, riemanh@wwu.edu
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers: The minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies provides students with a solid foundation in the study of mass atrocities past and present to pursue careers in fields such as teaching, psychology, international law, policy development, and law enforcement. After completion of the minor, students will also be better equipped to pursue graduate work in history, memory studies, trauma studies, film, literature, languages, political science, journalism, law, and education.
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Advisement for the minor is available through the Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity. Advisor is Babafemi Akinrinade, akinrib@wwu.edu, 360-650-2893. Students who wish to declare a minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies may do so at the following link. Students may elect to register the minor within the Ray Wolpow Institute office in Wilson Library 571/572.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.
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