Dr. James G. Paharik, Associate Professor of Sociology
Sunday, November 5, 2006, 3:30-4:20 p.m., Administration 410

“The Universal and the Particular: A Social Science Perspective on the Holocaust”
Applying a historical perspective to the Holocaust sometimes leads to emphasizing the distinctive aspects of that event as they occurred in a particular time and place. In science, however, entire groups of related phenomena are examined in order to uncover common characteristics. Through comparison, it is possible to discover what we miss in isolation. Applying this principle to the Holocaust, Dr. Paharik hopes to shed light on the Holocaust as it relates to other cases of state-sponsored mass murder, revealing preconditions, as well as what constitutes, genocide.

Terry Brino-Dean, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Maureen Vissat, Assistant Professor of Art
Monday, November 6, 2006, 9:00-9:50 a.m., Lynch 101-Lecture Hall

“Holocaust Education: Infusion in the Arts and Liberal Arts-Working Models”
Art has profound effects on human emotion. Integrating the arts into Holocaust education can be a powerful teaching tool. Holocaust studies have long been a part of the Arts and Theatre curriculum at SHU. In their presentation, Maureen Vissat and Terry Brino-Dean will provide examples demonstrating how Holocaust education is facilitated through art exhibits and theatre productions.

Exhibits and performances provide students the opportunities to reflect, connect, and interpret experiences, fostering empathy towards Holocaust victims and survivors. They are also utilized by courses throughout the university to easily integrate Holocaust education through the arts. These models further extend beyond the bounds their programs and serve as a vehicle to benefit and educate the surrounding community.

Dr. Michael Cary, History and Political Science Professor
Monday, November 6, 2006, 10:00-10:50 a.m., Maura 333

“Reflections on the March of Remembrance and Hope, Poland 2006”
Last May, Dr. Michael Cary led a group of Seton Hill University students to Poland to participate in the “March of Remembrance and Hope.” Throughout the spring semester, Dr. Cary met with students providing them with background information for their trip. They discussed the Holocaust, the Nazi regime, and the moral and ethical issues encompassed by these. But, preparation is no match for experience.

In his presentation, Dr. Cary will highlight aspects of the trip, relaying its emotional impact while paying particular attention to desired educational outcomes. He has also put together a panel of student participants to describe their reactions throughout this journey.

Dr. Dennis Jerz, Associate Professor of English, Helen C. Troy, Middle Teacher, and Stephan Puff, Creative Writing & Theology Major
Tuesday, November 7, 2006, 2:10-3:00 p.m., Lynch G28

Panel: “Simulation as a Tool for Teaching the Holocaust"
Technology is increasingly part of our world, but to Millenials, those born between 1977 and 1995, it is a way of life. By using new media, educators have one more resource to teach the Holocaust to a whole new generation. Simulation, a term associated with video games and role-playing, promotes collaborative learning. Students are allowed to both exercise choice and explore consequences. When combined with Holocaust studies, simulation conveys human emotion while communicating complex, historical truths.

The purpose of this panel is to examine the value of simulation in Holocaust studies, with respect for real historical experiences that can never (and should never) be re-created, while at the same time exploring new models for Holocaust education.

Dr. Lois Sculco, S.C., Vice President for Administration and Student life and Dr. Barbara Kennedy, Retired Psychiatrist and NCCHE Volunteer
Tuesday, November 7, 2006, 3:10-4:00p.m., Administration 410

“Assessment of Anxiety and Attitudes Before and After a Course Focusing on the Holocaust”
In a course focusing on Holocaust, Seton Hill’s Senior Seminar students are asked to examine both personal and social value systems. Holocaust studies are used as a seminal event in human history to “remember the past” (memory) and to “imagine the future” (hope).

For two years, this class by Dr. Sculco was also used to assess anxiety before and after the course. The results will be presented and discussed during their session.