Hitler's Germany

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://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.

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• 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; and
• develop skills of critical thinking through group discussion of subject readings and preparation of written assessment.

• A 1500 word primary source document analysis due mid semester (40%)
• A 2500 word research essay due at the end of semester (60%)

Hurdle requirement:

• Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject.
• All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

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.