The Nature of Forgiveness

Assignment 1
Read The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal. Write an essay (2-3 pages) in which you explain what "forgiveness" means to Simon, why he chooses his course of action, and what you believe you would have done in his place and why.

Assignment 2
Familiarize yourself about the Nuremberg Trials. Know when they were held, by whom, and why. Understand the purpose and outcome of the trials. Understand the specific charges that were collectively viewed as "crimes against humanity."

Assignment 3
Nuremberg Trials role playing. Check posting in the classroom to ascertain your assignment. Then prepare the following assignment:

• If you are a judge, you need to understand the philosophical and historical significance of the trials. You need to prepare opening statements. You will also need to pass judgment on each defendent using your understanding of history and what is meant by a "crime against humanity."
• If you are a defendent, you need to know your role in history, what you did during the war, of what you are accused. You need to work with your attorney to construct a defense against the charges.
• If you are a defense attorney, you need to prepare the defense. To do this you need to know the exact charges, gather witnesses, and understand "crimes against humanity."
• If you are a Prosecuting Attorney, you will open by stating the exact charges and argue, knowing the history, why the defendent is guilty.
• If you are a witness, you need to create a role which does not contradict history. You will be approached by the Prosecuting and/or Defense attorneys.