WWII and Europe

Overview: 

Have you ever walked down the street and seen people pass by and do nothing to help a person in need? Have you ever wondered what motivates these choices? Through an in depth study of the Holocaust in Germany, students will investigate the factors that influenced individual and group decisions in the face of mass murder. Through primary and secondary resources and activities students will explore the impact of the government propaganda and the steps that lead to the murder of over 11 million people during WWII and determine whether or not justice was served thereafter.

Essential Questions:

1. What are the consequences of separating people by race?

2. How was membership and race defined before and during WWII?

3. What factors influenced individual/group behavior during WWII?

Main Goals:

Conduct an in-depth study of the Holocaust in Germany to investigate the factors that influenced individual and group decisions in the face of mass murder. This class will provide students with an opportunity to explore the impact of the government propaganda and the steps that lead to the murder of over 11 million people during WWII and determine whether or not justice was served thereafter.

Alignment Common Core Standards:

Reading – 11.RT.1 11.RT.4, 10. RT. 7, 11.RT.7

Writing – 11.W.1; 11.W.3; 11.W.4; 10.W.5 11.W.10

Speaking and Listening – 10.SL.1; 11.SL.2; 11.SL.4; 11.SL.6

Language – 11.L.1; 11.L.2; 11.L.4; 11.L.6

Assessments:

1. Position paper on bystander behavior: Is helping in times of injustice a matter of social responsibility or heroism?

2. Research Project with Expository Paper: Was the rise of the Nazi Party and Hitler inevitable?

3. Position paper on Obedience and Propaganda: What choice did the citizens of Germany have to questions their government?