The Emergence of Holocaust Education in American Schools [Paperback]

Interest by American educators in the Holocaust has increased exponentially during the second half of the twentieth century. In 1960 the Holocaust was barely being addressed in American public schools. Yet by the 1990s several states had mandated the teaching of the event. Drawing upon a variety of sources including unpublished works and interviews, this study traces the rise of genocide education in America. The author demonstrates how the genesis of this movement can be attributed to a grassroots effort initiated by several teachers, who introduced the topic as a way to help their students navigate the moral and ethical ambiguity of the times.Interest by American educators in the Holocaust has increased exponentially during the second half of the twentieth century. In 1960 the Holocaust was barely being addressed in American public schools. Yet by the 1990s several states had mandated the teaching of the event. Drawing upon a variety of sources including unpublished works and interviews, this study traces the rise of genocide education in America. The author demonstrates how the genesis of this movement can be attributed to a grassroots effort initiated by several teachers, who introduced the topic as a way to help their students navigate the moral and ethical ambiguity of the times.Preface * Telling the War * The Affective Revolution and the Origins of Genocide Education * Playing Holocaust * Watching and Defining the Holocaust *?Holocaustomania * Critiquing Holocaust Education * Epilogue: The Future of Holocaust Education

Fallace's book is well researched, well argued, and well written. Anyone who either contemplates teaching about the Holocaust or is currently doing so owes it to him/herself to read this outstanding book as it addresses a host of critical and significant issues that should (indeed, must) be taken into consideration when taking on this complex period of history. - Samuel Totten, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; Co-Editor of GenocilSB