University of Southern California
Persecution of the German-Jews: The Early Years - 1933-1939
Young historians learn about the dehumanization process of stripping German Jews of basic, fundamental rights prior to the genocide of European Jews in the 1940s. Learners watch video clips of survivors who recount such events as the...
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"The Gambler" and "The Journey": A Comparison of Worlds in Two Short Stories
“The Gambler” and “The Journey” offer readers an opportunity to experience two very different views of Jewish life in Poland between WWI and WWII. Whether used as a part of a study of the Holocaust, or as a compare/contrast exercise, the...
Echoes & Reflections
Nazi Germany
The Holocaust was an evolution of anti-Semitism, scapegoating, and targeted violence against Jews with Nazi policies. A resource unpacks the escalation in violence, along with the erosion of democratic institutions, during the 1930s....
Echoes & Reflections
Contemporary Antisemitism
Despite the recognized atrocities of the Holocaust, anti-semitism continues. The 11th and final installment of the Teaching the Holocaust series explores the long-term effects of the Holocaust on modern anti-semitism, asking pupils to...
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Writing Exercises: Jews during the Middle Ages
After exploring the life of Jewish people in Europe during the Middle Ages, have the class complete three writing prompts. They'll compose three responses that discuss anti-Semitism, Jewish contribution, and persecution of Jewish people.
Echoes & Reflections
Antisemitism
Propaganda and anti-semitism were linked to evil ends during the Holocaust. Using video testimony of Holocaust survivors, examples of Nazi propaganda, and discussion questions, learners explore the roots of anti-semitism in Europe and...
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One Survivor Remembers: Anti-Semitism
Learners analyze and discuss how propaganda influenced anti-Semitism and it's role in World War II. In this propaganda instructional activity, students define the terms involved in this assignment. Then they will discuss their reactions...
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Revolutions in Russia
From the fall of the Czars, to Stalin as Dictator, this presentation outlines major shifts in political power during the Russian Revolution. Easy to follow and great for taking notes, your class will be able to obtain the information...
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History of the Jews in England
High schoolers examine the history of Anti-Semitism in England. In this Jewish history lesson, students discuss the Pyramid of Hate and the Pyramid of Alliance as they discover a brief history of the Jews in England in the last 1000 years.
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The Power of Words Anti-Semitism and Hate Speech
Students investigate words associated with Anti-Semitism and hate. They view and discuss a video about teaching tolerance focusing on language usage.
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Jewish Women: Chief Cooks of Culture, Family, And Community
Students explore and analyze how one's culture, food, family and community end up having or shaping our environments as well as determine our destiny's. Food preparation serves as a key component in a Jewish woman's makeup and strength...
Museum of Tolerance
Making Lemonade: Responding to Oppression in Empowering Ways
An activity focused on tolerance encourages class members to consider how they might respond when they or someone else is the target of oppression and discrimination. After researching how some key figures responded to the anti-Semitism...
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Propaganda, WWII, Ghetto‘s, and Analysis of Primary Resources
Students consider the implications of anti-Semitism. In this World War II lesson, students examine selected documents and images featuring the propaganda that promoted Jewish persecution. Students write essays that highlight how the Nazi...
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The Diary of Anne Frank: Selected Passages
Students read the novel, "The Diary of Anne Frank". Using the internet, they gather information on the effect of the Versailles Treaty, formation of the Weimer Republic and the Nazi Party on the Holocaust. They view propaganda...
Facing History and Ourselves
Us and Them: Confronting Labels and Lies
Stereotyping and discrimination based on religion catalyze many atrocities in the world. Explain the awful treatment of Jews and the lies Nazis spread by using an informative yet sensitive resource. Learners participate in a warm-up and...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Xenophobia
In this historical events worksheet, students analyze an anti-immigration political cartoon and respond to 3 talking point questions.
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Ideas for Research and Discussion of Anne Frank's Diary
Students explore the life of Anne Frank. In this World War II lesson, students consider Frank's religious identity and national identity. Students also discuss children's rights as they consider Frank and other Jewish children who...
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Krystallnacht the Night of the Broken Glass, Hate and the Nazi Regime
In this Holocaust worksheet, students identify and locate vocabulary terms/names related to the night of broken glass, hate, and the Nazi Regime. There are 20 words located in the word search.
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"You're Probably Tired, Dear Diary" - Children's Diaries during the Holocaust
As part of the study of WWII and the Holocaust, class members read a series of diary entries written by children during the onslaught of Nazi occupation. Each entry is accompanied by biographical information and discussion questions. The...
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The 1905 Russian Revolution
Important for understanding the context of Russia's role in the 20th century, this presentation on the Russian Revolution of 1905 is sure to pique your class' interest as they embark on the world events leading up to World War I. Several...
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Life Prior to Kristallnacht (1933-1938)
Students research the way of life of the Jews before Kristallnacht. Using new vocabulary and resources, they discover how carefree life was before the days of discrimination and antisemitism. In groups, they create a timeline of the...
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Committing to Respect: Lessons for Students to Address Bias
Here's a guide designed to build safe, respectful learning environments, and to build understanding of the value of diversity through lessons packed with activities for specific grade levels.
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The Roots of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: 1890s-1947
Consider and examine the roots of the Arab-Israeli conflict during the turn of the century. The topics covered in this presentation are not fully explained but are a perfect accompaniment to a full lecture. Issues to examine include The...
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Art in Nazi Germany When Art and Politics Didn't Agree
Five lessons display the art created by Germans under the Weimar Republic. The focus of these lessons is to help learners understand the role of art in politics, government censorship, and Nazi tactics. Web links are included.