The Hitler Years: Germany and the Third Reich

This module will take a look inside the Nazi regime, from its rise during the 1920s, the establishment and growth of its power during the 1930s, up to its collapse and fall in 1945.

It will address the ideological beliefs of a man whose name has become synonymous with dictatorship, oppression and genocide.

Having considered the context in which the Nazis rose to power, it will address how they consolidated their position through legislation, the use of propaganda and the constant presence of terror groups such as the SS and Gestapo.

It will investigate how the impact on the everyday lives of the German population by looking at the social and economic policies introduced and enforced by the regime.

It will also examine Nazi attitudes towards specific sections of society and how these resulted in crimes that shocked the world.

Finally, it will consider the legacy of the regime, how its shadow still looms large and why it continues to fascinate more than 80 years later.

Learning and teaching

The module will be delivered through ten 2-hour sessions. These sessions will consist of a 1-hour lecture followed by class discussion and group work on specific topics relating to the module.

The discussion and group work will enable students to think critically and contribute to the debates and topics presented during the lectures.

The discussion-led sessions and the lectures will be supplemented by resources available to students via Learning Central.

Syllabus:

1. Who were the Nazis?
2. The Weimar Republic and the Nazi Rise to Power
3. From Chancellor to Führer: The Consolidation of Power
4. Kinde, Kirche, Kuche: Social Policy 1933-45
5. Discrimination, Persecution and Murder: Racial Policy 1933-45
6. Recovery, Rearmament and War: Economic Policy 1933-45
7. Steps to War: Foreign Policy 1933-39
8. Germany at War.
9. Opposition and the Maintenance of the Regime
10. The Nuremberg Trials and the Nazi Legacy.

Coursework and assessment

Formative assessment / feedback will occur on a weekly basis through class discussion and group work.

Assignment 1 (Source analysis): 30% - Exact nature of the task will vary from year to year. 500 words. Week 5-6.

Assignment 2 (Blog): 70% - Exact nature of the task will vary from year to year. 1000 words. End of the module.

Reading suggestions

• Richard J. Evans, The Coming of the Third Reich (2003)
• Richard J. Evans, The Third Reich in Power (2005)
• Richard J. Evans, The Third Reich at War (2008)
• Ian Kershaw, Hitler: 1889-1936 Hubris & 1936-1945 Nemesis (2000)
• Michael Burleigh, The Third Reich: A New History (2001)
• Klaus Fischer, Nazi Germany: A New History (1995)

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.