Hitler's Germany

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject explores German society, culture and politics from 1933 to 1945, with special emphasis on the origins, development and significance of the Nazi dictatorship. Topics include the post-WWI crisis, the rise of the Nazi movement, Nazi ideology, the collapse of the Weimar Republic, the seizure of power, Adolf Hitler as charismatic leader, the racist character of Nazi society and politics, the position of women, anti-Semitism, "euthanasia," the Holocaust, "Hitler's" war and the nature of the Nazi empire.

Students who complete this subject will:

• demonstrate a general knowledge of the principal figures and significant events in German history for the period 1933-1945;
• gain an understanding of the specific historical context in which National Socialism emerged and the chief causes of Hitler's rise to power, the ideology and aims of National Socialism, and the racial policies and genocidal consequences of Nazi rule;
• demonstrate familiarity with the major historiographical debates concerning Nazism and an awareness of the variety of interpretive perspectives and categories of understanding that historians have developed in their search for an explanation of Hitler and the Third Reich;
• be able to analyse primary and secondary sources in constructing historical arguments;
• demonstrate research skills using printed and electronic sources in preparation of a substantial research essay;
• develop skills of critical thinking through group discussion of subject readings and preparation of written assessment.

A primary source document analysis of 1500 words 35% (due mid semester) and a research essay of 2500 words 65% (due at the end of semester).

Hurdle requirement: students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day; after five working days, no late assessment will be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Subject readings will be available on line

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.