Programs in Holocaust and genocide studies teach people about the organized destruction of racial, political, or cultural groups. These programs often focus on the genocide of World Wars I and II. Students learn about survivor studies and counseling. They also study Holocaust art and literature.
Read these numbers:
• 1,700,000
• 1,500,000
• 6,000,000
What do these numbers mean? The first set is the number of Cambodians killed between 1975 and 1979. The second is the number of Armenians killed between 1915 and 1923. The third is the number of Jews killed during World War II between 1939 and 1945.
When we study history, we find moments of great human triumph. Unfortunately, we also find times of incredible cruelty. The main goal of Holocaust and genocide studies is to study past violence to prevent future wars and genocide.
In Holocaust and genocide studies programs, you study the factors that can lead to mass murder. You take courses in areas such as literature, sociology, history, psychology, and political science. You study economic problems, historical clashes between ethnic groups, and world religions. You also study the different groups of people who were part of the Holocaust and other genocides. These people include political leaders, resistance fighters, and victims. In addition, you study how technology has been used for violent purposes. You learn about ways to promote peace.
A few four-year schools have centers for Holocaust and genocide studies. However, currently no school offers a distinct Holocaust and genocide studies major. Usually a minor or certificate in Holocaust and genocide studies is offered at the undergraduate level. Typically you finish your bachelor's degree in four years.
A small number of schools offer graduate programs in Holocaust and genocide studies. In many cases, Holocaust and genocide studies is offered as a concentration in history graduate programs. Graduate degrees take from two to five years after you finish your bachelor's degree. Most people with graduate degrees in Holocaust and genocide studies become professors or policy analysts.