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IN 350
Holocaust, Genocide and Film
Dr. Timothy M. Kovalcik
January Immersion 2017
Office Shilling 414
Office Phone: 424-3834
Cell: 855-1586
Office Hours During Immersion:
and 12-1pm everyday (or during lunch breaks)
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to critical thinking using the subjects of Holocaust and genocide and their representation in film. Everything in the course is designed to create meaningful response to the key questions surrounding the existence of humanity. The course is primarily a humanities based project and therefore will rely on multiple disciplines, but special emphasis will be paid the history of the Holocaust and genocide in the twentieth century. By the end of the course each student should be able to:
-define key issues surrounding the history of the Holocaust
-define major genocides of the twentieth century
-define/discuss and write coherently about the themes of genocide in the twentieth century
-define/discuss and write coherently about how media and film represent genocide in the twentieth and 21st century
As an IN 350 Millikin Course Each student will also meet the following goals:
- analyze a topic of global importance through the use of discipline-appropriate sources
- use ethical reasoning to make a judgment about some aspect of a global issue
- Reflect on your responsibilities as a democratic citizen in a global environment
Require Texts:
Numerous required handouts
Course Requirements:
Attendance and Participation: This is an intensive immersion course and therefore it requires attendance and participation. No absences and/or tardy behavior will be accepted. Part of your participation grade requires that you have materials and assignments ready prior to each session. Participation also requires that you do all readings and reflect the knowledge of these readings in class discussion. Participation also requires interaction during course discussion!
Comprehensive Exam: At the end of the week there will be a comprehensive exam that will cover the themes we have covered. This exam will be identification and short essay. It will also cover required reading. It is critical that each student take good notes in preparation for this exam. (LGs 1 and 2)
Movie Idea Paper : Each student will prepare a movie script/storyboard/plot outline. This will be based on the Armenian genocide and will follow the following specific guidelines: Divide your paper into the following sections:
-Plot Outline – including of major events, either historical or fiction: In this section describe what the film will be about, how it will progress and how it will end.
-Theme or Major Point of Movie: In this section describe what theme/themes or component/components of genocide you want to portray. Explain why you think these ideas are important and justify your decision!
-Character descriptions – both fictional and/or historical: In this section describe the central characters. Only include major characters in the story and explain why you chose them. How do they help portray your theme or advance the story.
-Techniques – Description of artistic techniques which help portray your theme: In this section think of all the films we have seen. There are multiple ways to make points or subtly portray a theme. Which techniques do you think you would use and why? Defend your choices well. --- (LG 2)
Ethical Reflection Paper: Each student will write a paper (5-6 pages) that will address the ethical questions related to genocide. Specifically, each student must define what they believe are the key ethical lessons of genocide and how they respond to these issues. In defense of their position the students must use primary sources gathered in the course (including film examples) and various secondary sources. (LG 3)
Grading Procedures:
Attendance and Participation: 20%
Comprehensive Exam 30%
Movie Idea Paper 20%
Ethical Essay 30%
Cheating and Plagiarism:
All students are expected to uphold professional standards for academic honesty and integrity in their research, writing, and related performances. Academic honesty is the standard we expect from all students. Read the Student Handbook for further explanation (available on the MillikinUniversity web site). Staley Library also hosts a web site on Preventing Plagiarism, which includes the complete university policy. It is located at: Visit and carefully read the Preventing Plagiarism web site.
If you submit work that is not your own, that is, plagiarized or copied from any source without proper citation, or if you are caught cheating on any assignment, you will fail the assignment and you will probably fail the course. In addition, the Registrar and the Office of Student Services may be notified so that they can take action according to university policy, which means that you may be dismissed from the academic program and university. If you have difficulty with any assignment in this course, please see me rather than consider academic dishonesty.
You must be aware the forms of cheating include, but not limited too:
-copying each other’s work during a quiz
-looking at materials not allowed during a quiz or exam
doing someone else’s work, or having someone do your work
Forms of plagiarism include, but not limited to:
-re-wording passages from articles or books and then not citing them
-copying directly from other texts without the proper citation
-buying papers off the internet
cutting and pasting off of the internet
Disability Accommodation Policy
Please address any special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs. If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you should submit your documentation to the Office of Student Success at MillikinUniversity, currently located in Staley Library 014.
Policy on Technological Devices: Laptops are permissible as long as they do not record and as long as they do not interrupt the lectures.
The following are not allowed in the class-room.
-recording devices
-cell-phone cameras (Turn them off and put them away)
-MP3 or CD players
-Ipods
The following are not allowed during exams:
-all of the above
-PDA or palm pilots
-lap-tops
-cell-phones
If you violate this policy during quizzes or exams I reserve the right inspect the device and possibly dismiss you from the quiz or exam.
Course Schedule:
Day 1
9:30-11:30 – Opening Lecture “Why the 20th Century”
1 – 2:30 – Armenian Genocide Documentary
3-4:30 – Night and Fog - Discussion
Assignments: Read Chapter on Armenian Genocide, Hirsch Night and Fog article,
Primo Levi chpts, Shame and the Grey Zone
Day 2
9:30-11:30 – Lecture on Holocaust
1-2 – Clips from Sophie’s Choice and Judgment at Nuremberg
2-4:30 – The Grey Zone
Day 3
10-12:30 – The Pianist
1:30-4:30 – Documentary on Liberation of Camps – Band of Brothers Epidsode
Weekend Assignment
No Formal Class on Sunday, but you must watch Schindler’s List by Monday and complete reading assignments. – I will be available Saturday at 1pm to show the movie in the classroom and discuss Movie Outline ideas.
Readings: All Spielberg Articles and Cambodian Genocide Articles
Day 4
Quiz and Discussion on Schindler’s List
10:30-12:30 – S21
1:30-4:30 – The Killing Fields
Read Chapter on Serbian/Yugoslavian Genocide
Day 5
10 – 11:30 – 30 for 30 episode on Yugoslavia
1-4:30 – The Ghosts of Rwanda
Read Chapter on Rwandan Genocide
Day 6
10-12:30 – Hotel Rwanda
1-4 – TBA – Prepare for Final Exam
Day 7 and Day 8 – TBA
9:30-4:30