5303 WEIMAR AND NAZI GERMANY
 

This syllabus is for reference only. Up-to-date syllabi can be found in the history department.

Instructor: Dr. Richard Peters, Prof. of History Emeritus
Office: LA 202F
Telephone: 974-5789(UCO), 341-0481 (Home)
Textbook: Germany, 1866-1945, by Gordon A. Craig

About the Course
History 5303 concentrates on the history of Germany from the end of World War I to the end of World War II. At the same time every effort will be made to place this period of German history, much of it tragic, within the wider scope of German history, especially as it evolved in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The failure of German democracy and the rise of the Nazi Party will be examined thoroughly.
The course is not a seminar, so I will spend a good deal of time lecturing. At the same time, I allow and expect a reasonable amount of class discussion, especially on the many controversial issues that are so much a part of the history of the Third Reich.
Students enrolling in this course should have an adequate background in European history (about six hours). If you do not, we need to discuss the matter during the first week of classes.

Examinations
You will have two examinations, a mid-term and final. Together, they will constitute about sixty percent of your final grade.
The mid-term will cover the historical background and the Weimar era, i.e., to the beginning of the Hitler era in 1933. The final will cover the Nazi era, i.e., from 1933 to 1945.
Both examinations will consists of both essays and multiple choice, weighted decidedly in favor of the essays. We will discuss the exams much more fully in class.

Book Review
You will be required to submit one book review on a book related to this course and approved by the instructor. This assignment will be due about one week following the mid-term examination. Guidelines for writing the review are provided on a separate sheet.

Research Paper
Near the end of the course, you will be expected to submit a term paper of approximately fifteen to twenty pages in length (typed and double spaced) on a subject related to this course. You will have considerable freedom in selecting the area you wish to research, but I do wish to approve the final topic. I will need to meet with each of you individually to discuss your topic in regard to such matters as proper scope, the available sources, and overall suitability.
The term paper will be approximately thirty percent of your final grade. The style manual for this paper is A Manual for Writers, by Kate L. Turabian (in the UCO bookstore).
Remember, your writing must be your own. For the record, I frequently spot-check the documentation on term papers.

Office Hours
These vary from semester to semester, but are always posted outside my office door. If these hours conflict with your own schedule, just see me after class and we will arrange a time that is mutually agreeable.
If you are having any kind of problem in the course, I encourage you to come to my office so that we may discuss it.

Note: Student with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact equity Officer, Brad Morelli, at ext. 2573, or see me after class as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.