Bearing Witness: Jan Karski

1 Credit · Level: Undergraduate

Outside of Georgetown’s White-Gravenor Hall sits an iconic commemorative bench and statue honoring Holocaust witness, Polish World War II hero, spy and diplomat, Jan Karski, one of the most influential and legendary professors ever to teach at Georgetown University. This course explores Karski’s story and its contemporary resonance centered around Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski, a celebrated original theatrical production created by The Laboratory of Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown starring Oscar-Nominated actor David Strathairn. Karski’s remarkable legacy speaks to the importance of moral courage; of bearing witness to history; of respect for others, especially those who are different; of the responsibility to question; and of the role of the individual in speaking out, even when the message is not “convenient.” Using Karski’s life and teachings as inspiration, we will examine our own relationship to the current historical moment, how individuals may bear witness to history and, following Karski’s example, “shake the conscience of the world.” This course will include several guest speakers, including actor David Strathairn as well as playwrights Derek Goldman and Clark Young. Additionally, students will visit and view Karksi archival materials as well as have opportunities for site visits in Washington, DC.