Learning how to read primary source documents then write about them can be boring, right?  
Well not with this class!  Immerse yourself in the experience of the Germans and European Jews of the mid-20th century by reading and writing about their experiences as evidenced by documents from that era. 

This 8 week class will begin with Nazi propaganda in the late 1920's, include German laws/decrees, newspaper stories, diaries, poetry, autobiographical texts, letters, and journals until the war ended in 1945, and conclude with texts and reflections by survivors of the Holocaust.  Learners will be provided some text to read in advance of class, and other text will be read during class.  Lessons are taught using a variety of resources including slides, lecture, videos, audio recordings, mini-writing assignments, assessments of reading comprehension, and reinforcement of the writing process.  
In addition the reading texts from the mid-20th century and survivor accounts from the mid to late 20th century, learners will practice their writing skills and utilize the writing process.  Writing assignments will include keeping a diary, writing a sample news article, letter writing, responses to texts, and poetry.  Students will be provided topic suggestions, or may choose their own topic with teacher approval.  

Prior knowledge of the content is not required but recommended.  Diaries and letters will be from children, teens and young adults, but some of the content may still be challenging for sensitive learners given the topic.  Basic writing skills and the ability to complete the assignments described above is imperative. 

Discussion and interaction are required elements of this class and students are STRONGLY urged to use their cameras and microphones in order to receive the full benefits of this class. 

**********PLEASE READ*************
Outschool has recently changed its policy regarding class cancellations. We know how disappointing canceled classes can be for learners, so we too are amending our policy.  In the past we have waited for late enrollees, of which we have had MANY!  Unfortunately we can no longer do that. 

IF enrollment falls below 3 students, we will push the class back a week.  When other sections are available students will have the option to transfer to another class.  Full refunds will be provided for learners who cannot attend the newly scheduled class time. Partial refunds for missed classes are NOT available. If a student must miss class, the recording is available to view at their convenience. All other refunds will be provided as per the Outschool Limited Refund policy (see below).  If for any reason the class does not meet your expectation, you have the confidence of knowing that Outschool has a Happiness Guarantee and will provide a refund upon request via their Customer Support. 

Transfer requests within 24 hours of a scheduled class will NOT be approved.  At that point it is too late to reschedule the class, and it is unfair to other families who may have enrolled thinking there were multiple learners enrolled. Instead students will be encouraged to watch the video of the class.
 
Thank you for understanding, and for your loyalty.

Week 1:  Introduction to the topic and to one another, background information about European Jewish life and the outcomes of WWI
Week 2:  Nazi Propaganda of the 1920s and 1930s, Create a propaganda post, book cover, news article, advertisement, or cartoon.
Week 3:  Laws and Decrees of the Third Reich, Write a news article or post about a law or decree
Week 4:  Letters to loved ones abroad, Writing a letter to a loved one you may never see again
Week 5:  Diaries as life records,  Create a series of diary entries, 
Week 6:  Poetry of victims and survivors, Practice poetry writing, share poems.
Week 7:  What happened when it was over?  Examine letters, diaries, autobiographical texts. 
Week 8:  Student presentation of the work of their choice (diary entries, poetry, letters or news articles).