Nazi Germany: politics, society, war and genocide

About this course

This course examines how the Third Reich established a dictatorship, organised a police state and pursued racial exclusion, before moving through foreign policy, war, occupation, collaboration, resistance and the Holocaust. It also considers responses to Nazism and the choices faced by perpetrators, bystanders and victims. Teaching combines lectures with interactive work, including source interpretation and class discussion. Alongside the historical developments, the course introduces differing scholarly interpretations and major debates about Nazi Germany, the Second World War and the Holocaust.

What you'll learn

• Identify key features, leading personalities and stages in the development of the Third Reich.
• Assess changing German attitudes towards Nazism.
• Examine the choices made by perpetrators, bystanders and victims.
• Discuss major historical arguments and controversies concerning Nazi Germany, the Second World War and the Holocaust.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for interested learners from all backgrounds and does not require knowledge of German or other special skills. Participation includes class discussions and source interpretation alongside lectures, so learners should be prepared to engage with interactive activities. Access to a computer is needed.

• Suitable for learners from all backgrounds.
• No knowledge of German is required.
• Includes discussion and interpretation of historical sources.

Before you go

• Access to a computer is required.
• Nothing needs to be brought to class.