If the study of history does nothing more than to teach us humility, skepticism, and awareness of ourselves, then it has done something useful. We must continue to examine our own assumptions and those of others and ask, where’s the evidence?”
- Margaret MacMillan
We believe that Holocaust and Genocide Education has much to contribute to civics education. Although this is difficult and traumatic material, we teach to ensure consistent engagement with the pressing questions of individual and group responsibility towards the other. By exploring values, attitudes, skills, knowledge, and critical understanding of these complex issues and forces, we enable responsible civic engagement. As we remember, we seek to prevent genocide and crimes of mass atrocity by finding points of leverage, intervention, and empowerment.
Resources for Genocide Awareness Month
Ukraine
*USHMM condemns Russia Attack on Ukraine
*Yossi Melman (Haaretz): “Vladimir Putin Is Not Adolf Hitler, but the Echoes Are Getting Louder”
*Omer Bartov: My Ukraine is Not Yet Lost
For Educators
The Cohen Center provides resources for teachers striving to help students learn about the Holocaust and genocide and to reflect upon the moral and ethical questions raised by those difficult realities. The center helps teachers develop active and informed citizens committed to mutual respect and justice.
Holocaust Remembrance Day 2022
SS:WH:8:1.3: Explore the use and abuse of power that results in mass murder and genocide, e.g., Holocaust. Themes: A: Conflict and Cooperation, F: Global Transformation, I: Patterns of Social and Political Interaction
NH K-12 Social Studies New Hampshire Curriculum Framework
Links & Resources
An extensive list of categorized links to educational resources on a wide range of topics related to the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights. Students should begin their research through these sites. Teachers can find on-line professional development opportunities as well.
Destruction of public confidence in news and journalism undermines democracy. It is not that “fake news” exists or that people try to emotionally manipulate via cherry-picked “facts,” but the goal is to undermine the credibility of any/all news sources.
- Recommended lessons on examining “fake news’
- Facing History and Ourselves: What Makes Democracy Work?
For Students
The Cohen Center supports the school’s major and minor programs in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and promotes programs for Keene Students who want to learn more about and participate in activities center around genocide studies.
