220003 Nazi camps: from testimonies to theories (GSH) (WiSe 2024/2025)

This seminar explores the complex history of Nazi concentration and extermination camps by combining personal narrative with sociological analysis. A brief introduction to the history of Nazi camps between 1933 and 1945, with a particular focus on camps existing in German occupied Poland, will be followed by sessions devoted to the study of two types of texts. First, we will explore the lived experiences of survivors through individual testimonies that provide a deeply personal perspective on the atrocities committed in the camps. Second, we will engage with theories and frameworks that analyse the broader structures and functions of Nazi camps in the context of state-sponsored terror, social control and genocide. We will pay particular attention to the intersections between individual testimonies and generalizations. To what extent do witnesses attempt to transform their episodic knowledge into a general understanding of what actually happened? What is the role of individual experience in theoretical explanations? How do theories advanced by survivors differ from theories of thinkers who did not live in the camps? By integrating individual and theoretical perspectives, the seminar aims to promote a comprehensive understanding of the Nazi camps. Last but not least, by visiting two historical exhibitions (Topographie des Terrors and Stille Helden), we will have the opportunity to explore how testimonies and theories are used in the realm of public history.

This seminar is designed for students from Bielefeld University, Touro University Berlin and Warsaw University. It will be co-taught in English by Piotr Filipkowski (Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences), Kornelia Kończal (Bielefeld University) and Stephan Lehnstaedt (Touro University Berlin). Part of this seminar is a research trip to Berlin fully funded by the German-Polish Science Foundation.

Students interested in attending this course are expected to be curious about the history of East Central Europe, transnational history and memory studies, willing to gain unique insights into cutting-edge research and have good English skills.

Learning Outcomes

get acquainted with the history of NS concentration and extermination camps across Europe
analyze and interpret individual testimonies from NS camp survivors
understand sociological theories explaining the systemic nature of NS camps
critically evaluate the role of memory and narrative in historical and sociological contexts
creating compelling, original arguments
asking questions that integrate theoretical perspectives and research findings
identifying the ways of using testimonies and theories in historical exhibitions
Course Requirements

Enrolled students are required to regularly attend sessions and to participate in the class discussions, which are based on the readings for that particular session. Students missing a session are requested to notify the instructors via email before the class.

Assignment

Berlin: essay (contact person: Stephan Lehnstaedt)
Bielefeld: oral exam (contact person: Kornelia Kończal)
Warsaw: essay (contact person: Piotr Filipkowski)

Requirements for participation, required level

Update from 17 September 2024:

Dear all,
My seminar 220003 "Nazi camps: from testimonies to theories (GSH)" is heavily overbooked. I am delighted that there is so much interest in this course. At the same time, as the funds for the trip to Berlin are limited, I cannot welcome you all to the seminar. Please also note that in addition to the on-site sessions in Berlin on 20, 21 and 22 November and the online session on 9 December, there will be an additional introductory session (online) on 21 October 2024 (9:30 - 12:00). Attendance at this introductory session is required to register for the seminar. Preference will be given to history students; students from other departments will be placed on a waiting list and will be informed on 21 October whether they have been accepted. Best wishes, Kornelia Konczal

Course Requirements

Enrolled students are required to regularly attend classes, to participate in the class discussions, which are based on the readings for that particular session, and to be co-responsible for chairing one of the debates. Students missing a class are requested to notify the instructors via email before the class.

Bibliography

Introductory Readings

Wachsmann, Nikolaus/Jane Caplan (eds.). “Concentration Camps in Nazi Germany”. The New Histories, London, 2009.
Stone, Dan. “Concentration Camps: A Very Short Introduction”. OUP Oxford, Oxford, 2019.
“Interpreting in Nazi Concentration Camps”. Bloomsbury Publishing, London, 2016.
Berger, Ronald J. “Sociology and the Holocaust: A Discipline Grapples with History”. Taylor & Francis, London, 2023.