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College of Humanities and Social Sciences

M.A. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies

 

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Dr. Bernard Weinstein
CAS-334
(908) 737-0399
bweinste@kean.edu

The Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies is an interdisciplinary program that specifically studies the Holocaust and anti-Semitism and also requires an exploration of other genocides. The core curriculum includes an examination of the History of the Jewish People, the History of Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust in Literature and Film. The program is unique in that it emphasizes comparative genocides. Students examine at least two genocides and can choose to focus on the Armenian Genocide, Genocide on the African Continent (Colonial), Genocide in Asia, Native-American Genocide, or African-American Genocide and Slavery. It encompasses such disciplines as history, theology, philosophy, ethics, literature, psychology, sociology, and law. The program consists of a core curriculum of 18 credits dealing with the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, six credits in the study of two genocides, and six credits in electives. The curriculum is designed to allow students to establish concentrations after completing the core. Following the completion of 30 credits, degree candidates write a thesis, which broadens their knowledge of the issues raised in their courses.

This program responds to New Jersey’s Mandate to teach about Holocaust, genocide, and prejudice in New Jersey public schools.

The Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies program is especially appropriate for teachers but also offers opportunities for persons involved in diverse fields such as social work, psychology, criminal justice, law, public administration, and religion among others.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

  • Baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 overall GPA (lower GPA may be considered with experience)
  • GRE (Graduate Records Exam) or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) scores
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A personal departmental interview may be required

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

CORE COURSES—18 credits

  • MAHG 5000 History of the Holocaust: Part 1 3 credits
  • MAHG 5001 History of the Holocaust: Part 2 3 credits
  • MAHG 5002 History of the Jewish People 3 credits
  • MAHG 5003 History of Anti-Semitism 3 credits
  • MAHG 5004 The Holocaust in Literature and Film 3 credits
  • MAHG 5005 Philosophical, Theological, and Legal 3 credits
  • Aspects of Holocaust and Genocide

REQUIRED COURSES IN GENOCIDE—6 CREDITS (choose 2 courses)

  • MAHG 5011 Genocide on the African Continent: Colonial 3 credits
  • MAHG 5012 Native-American Genocide 3 credits
  • MAHG 5013 The Armenian Genocide 3 credits
  • MAHG 5014 Genocide in Asian History 3 credits
  • MAHG 5015 African-American Genocide and Slavery 3 credits

GUIDED ELECTIVES—6 CREDITS (choose 2 courses)
Because of the New Jersey Mandate, those who are presently New Jersey teachers are required to take EMSE 5342 and EMSE 5343 if they have not already taken these courses.

  • MAHG 5020 The Churches and the Holocaust 3 credits
  • MAHG 5022 The Social Psychology of Prejudice 3 credits
  • EMSE 5342 Teaching the Holocaust 3 credits
  • EMSE 5343 Teaching Prejudice Reduction 3 credits

THESIS —6 CREDITS

  • ID 5800 Thesis Writing 6 credits
  • 30 credits of course work
  • 6 credit thesis
  • Comprehensive exam

Total 36 credits