Holocaust response assignment

We will watch the Peter Cohen documentary, "Architecture of Doom," on February 15 in class. Here are the instructions for the response assignment you will tackle after viewing it:

Documentary films make a claim to present objective truths, like written documents. Peter Cohen, the director of “Architecture of Doom, “ uses actual footage from the l930s and 40s, quotes from historical records and documents, and describes actual events. In doing so, however, he presents a particular interpretation of National Socialism and makes arguments about its origins and the motives of its proponents. How do you understand Cohen’s interpretation? Which aspects of Nazism and the Holocaust does it help you understand? What objections can you make to Cohen’s interpretation? Overall, do you find it convincing? Be sure to use specific facts and scenes from the film in your answer.


Write your response—this is a “response” paper-- in a 3-5 page paper(ballpark), preferably typed, due Monday, February 27. There are no right or wrong answers—I will evaluate you on the basis of how clearly and effectively you present your response