Democracy at Risk: Holocaust and Human Behavior
In this workshop, participants will study the fragility of democracy in Weimar Germany, the ensuing Holocaust, and the legacies of this history through an in-depth case study. This event will take place in-person.
January 14, 2026 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm CST
Chicago, IL
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About this event:
Single Session
Our single professional learning sessions are designed to easily fit into your day. Typically one hour or less, these sessions explore timely and relevant topics including teaching strategies, current events, and more.
Instructor-Led
This professional learning event will be led by Facing History staff. When you register, you will receive instructions for how to attend the event.
This event qualifies for ISBE (Illinois).
See Details
As a participant in this workshop you will:
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Learn current scholarship on the history of the Holocaust and new research focused on human behavior, group dynamics, and bias.
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Increase their ability to facilitate respectful classroom discussions on difficult issues such as racism, antisemitism, and other forms of exclusion in a way that invites personal reflection and critical analysis.
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Learn a new way of structuring curriculum to help students connect history to their own lives and the choices they make.
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Engage with classroom-ready multimedia resources and learn how to build a customized unit that meets your curriculum objectives.
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Discover new teaching strategies that help students interrogate text, think critically, and discuss controversial issues respectfully.
In today’s global climate, the urgency of sustaining democratic societies that are pluralistic, open, and resilient to violence is more pressing than ever. Facing History’s in-depth case study examines the fragility of democracy in Weimar Germany, the ensuing Holocaust, and the legacies of this history. Studying the Holocaust and Human Behavior case study allows students to wrestle with profound moral questions raised by this history while fostering their skills in ethical and moral reasoning, critical analysis, empathy, and civic engagement—all of which are critical habits of mind for sustaining democracy.
Application deadline: Friday January 9, 2026
Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Certificate of Completion
Illinois licensed educators are eligible for up to 6 professional development hours (CPDU’s) for full participation in this workshop.
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