TESTIMONY
NOW NEXT BEYOND
TESTIMONY OVER TIME
OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to …
- Define the term “testimony”
- Collect, analyze and report on information gathered from Holocaust survivor testimony
- Construct and express their observations and perceptions on testimony as an historical source
- Communicate with teachers and students as a way to debrief, reflect on, and think critically about this topic
TEACHER PREPARATION
Provide access to digital copies of Biography: Jannushka J. and Biography: Lillian N. Alternately, reproduce copies of the materials to distribute to students in small groups.
STUDENT INSTRUCTION
CLASSROOM DISCUSSION: CONTEXTUALIZING TESTIMONY
Using the introductory biographies on Jannushka J. and Lillian N., situate their Holocaust experiences within the context of what you know about the history of the Holocaust. The following questions will help to guide your investigation:
- How does testimony change as it is distanced from the historical event?
- How does the purpose or goal of the testimony affect its content and meaning?
- How is a testimony shaped by the views and expectations of the society in which it is produced?