The university is traditionally seen as a safeguard of the values of Western civilization. It stands as a beacon for such fundamental principles as critical thought, free inquiry and ethical research. Yet, history tells us that this was not always so. Under National Socialism in Germany (1933-1945), the universities and the academic disciplines themselves became in many cases all-too-eager accomplices in the perpetration of Nazi ideology. Not only did the normal administrative structure of the university become corrupted, but learning itself betrayed its own mission as prestigious disciplines propagated Nazi racial science and beliefs.

In order to investigate the process whereby critical thought was replaced by blind obedience, the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies will host a symposium to examine the moral role of the university in today’s society. The symposium, co-organized by Bernard Levinson, Berman Family Chair in Jewish Studies and Hebrew Bible, and Bruno Chaouat, director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, will explore the mutation of academic ideals under National Socialism, when the German university system promoted Nazi ideology and helped the state eliminate its diverse community. Thirteen scholars, from across the U.S. and abroad, will examine core academic disciplines, including anthropology, philosophy, classics, Assyriology, theology, law, and music.

Please click here to see the program for the symposium.

The symposium is from 9-5pm on Sunday, April 15th, and 9-12 on Monday, April 16th.  Your registration is valid for both days but you do not need to attend both sessions.

Lunch will be served on Sunday.  Your reservation for the symposium includes lunch.  Please complete this form to indicate any food preferences or needs. 

For directions and parking information, please click here. 

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