Holocaust and Genocide Studies, M.A.
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies is an interdisciplinary program exploring genocide in comparative perspective and its aftermaths. The core curriculum comprises courses on the Holocaust, the event that produced the grammar of genocide studies.
The program is one of three of its kind in the United States. Its proximity to New York City offers the advantage of a considerable human rights working environment, augmented by Kean University’s acclaimed Human Rights Institute. It is poised to inspire leaders in education, public policy, human rights, and other growing professional fields.
The program views genocide through the disciplines of history, theology, philosophy, ethics, political science, literature, psychology, sociology, and law. A core curriculum of 18 credits deals with the Holocaust era and its preconditions; six credits in the study of two other cases of genocide; a required course in comparative genocide; and six credits in electives that include a social justice track and a pedagogical track. Candidates who are involved in the teaching professions may apply up to four free “EMSE” courses (12 credits) toward the degree.
The thesis broadens knowledge of the issues raised in courses. It may be tailored to fit the professional interests of teachers, scholars, or activists.
Graduates successfully compete for school positions that favor teachers who could serve as master instructors in Holocaust and Genocide studies to guide schools in New Jersey and throughout the United States toward meeting state requirements. Additionally, in a world of peoples and nations whose memories of extreme regional assault constitute their central narratives, our graduates meet the demand for informed global policymakers, social entrepreneurs, public affairs advisers to traditional and social media, human rights advocates, and leaders in religion, government, and global corporations.
Degree Requirements
Required Core Courses in the Holocaust 15
| MAHG 5000 | HISTORY OF THE HOLOCAUST PART I | 3 |
| MAHG 5001 | HISTORY OF THE HOLOCAUST PART II: 1939 - 1945 | 3 |
| MAHG 5002 | SURVIVAL STRAT MOD JEWISH HISTORY | 3 |
| MAHG 5003 | THE HISTORY OF ANTI-SEMITISM | 3 |
| MAHG 5004 | HOLOCAUST:REPRESENTATIONS IN LIT&FILM | 3 |
Required Intro Course 3
| MAHG 5041 | HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE STUDIES RESEARCH METHODS | 3 |
Required Courses in Genocide (choose 2) 6
Elective Courses in the Holocaust and Genocide (choose 2) 6
| Social Justice Track | |
| MAHG 5025 | TRAVEL LEARN:GENOCIDE IN MULTINATIONAL CONTEXT | 3 |
| MAHG 5026 | FIELD WORK AND INTERNSHIP SEMINAR | 3 |
| MAHG 5030 | INTRODUCTION TO TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE | 3 |
| MAHG 5031 | CONTEMPORARY ANTISEMITISM | 3 |
| SOC 5060 | SOCIAL JUSTICE POLICY | 3 |
| SOC 5100 | GLOBAL OPPRESSION | 3 |
| Pedagogy Track** | |
| EMSE 5342 | TEACHING THE HOLOCAUST | 3 |
| EMSE 5343 | TEACHING PREJUDICE REDUCTION | 3 |
| EMSE 5348 | ADVANCED SEMINAR: TEACHING THE HOLOCAUST | 3 |
| EMSE 5349 | ADV SEM TEACH PREJUDICE REDUCTION | 3 |
| Other Electives | |
| MAHG 5019 | PHILOSOPHICAL, THEOLOGICAL & LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE HOLOCAUST & GENOCIDE | 3 |
| MAHG 5020 | THE CHURCHES AND THE HOLOCAUST | 3 |
| MAHG 5900 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE STUDIOS | 3 |
**Degree Candidates who successfully complete all four Certificate courses may apply two courses to other course requirements--one in Required Core Courses in the Holocaust and one in Required Courses in Genocide -with the exception of the following pivotal courses ineligible for waiver: MAHG 5041, MAHG 5000, MAHG 5001, and MAHG 5018.
Required Capstone Course in Holocaust and Genocide 3
| MAHG 5018 | COMPARATIVE GENOCIDE: TOWARDS A SYNTHESIS | 3 |
Required Thesis/Research Projects 3
ID 5800 may involve a project other than a thesis, such as a curriculum design or an advocacy undertaking. It must include a substantial research component and receive prior approval from the project adviser and the program director.
Total Credit Hours: 36