One of the most well-known courses at Latin is called “Nazi Mind,” which explores the causes and consequences of the rise and fall of the Nazi party in Germany. Through this course, students investigate the human choices and historical contexts that enabled Adolf Hitler and the Nazis to gain power and commit genocide. They examine the psychological roots of racism and hate, the history of the Nazi regime, and the Holocaust’s enduring legacy. They also engage in thought-provoking discussions and reflection about the enduring question: What does learning about the choices people made during the Weimar Republic, the rise of the Nazi Party, and the Holocaust teach us about the power and impact of our choices today?
A cornerstone of this class is a simulation of the Nuremberg International Military Tribunal, where students grapple with the complexities of justice and accountability. One of the highlights of the simulation, now in its 48th year, is getting to be in a real-life courtroom. This raises the stakes for the students and makes everything feel more real as they portray the attorneys, defendants, judges and others who participated in the real military tribunal that followed the conclusion of the Second World War. This year’s simulation was held in the Ceremonial Courtroom at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in downtown Chicago.
When asked for his thoughts about this year’s simulation and the course in general, Upper School history teacher Matthew June said the students were “all so well prepared…and approached their roles with a maturity and seriousness of purpose. It is that intrinsic motivation from the students that truly makes this class so special and so fun to teach!”
Watch videos from the mock trial on Latin's Instagram page.
- Academics
- upper school