For many, Auschwitz is emblematic of the Holocaust. It signifies terror, atrocity, cruelty, and ultimately death. But like all horrors, it has an origin. More than that, it was a horror created by humanity: it had guards, doctors, and even some prisoners who supported the terror. This two-part lecture will unearth the history of Auschwitz. It will consider the origins of the camp, examine its different subcamps, describe life for the inmates, and attempt to recognize what can happen when racism and hatred are embraced by a society.

Jason Hensley, PhD, teaches religious studies at a private school in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the Michael LaPrade Holocaust Education Institute of the Anti-Defamation League, a member of Civic Spirit's teacher education cohort, and the award-winning author of 10 books. His work has been featured in The Huffington Post as well as the BBC, and he has served as the historical advisor for a Holocaust documentary.