24 first year students recently took a trip to Poland to understand more about Milgram’s psychological study on ‘Obedience to Authority’.  Miligram’s study examined the justifications for acts of genocide by those accused at the World War II, Nuremberg War Criminal trials.  Their defence often was based on obedience; that they were just following orders from their superiors.

The group visited Auschwitz concentration camp, the Schindler factory museum and had a tour of the city of Krakow with a fantastic guide who spoke about historical events from World War II.  The trip concluded with a visit to the wonderful UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, Wieliczka Salt Mine.  

Students enjoyed the trip although there were some very sombre moments.  Chloe Williams commented, “Poland was beautiful and the culture there is so interesting.  The history of the Holocaust was an eye-opening experience and really brought my text book learning into reality.”  Molly Webster also observed, “I was so moved by the whole experience of Auschwitz.”  

Joanna Wood, Subject Tutor for psychology said, “This was a truly memorable trip, the students and staff enjoyed the culture and beauty of Krakow with its rich history.  The visit to Auschwitz Concentration Camp was a very emotional experience which the students handled with dignity and compassion.  The Wieliczka Salt Mine was fantastic with stunning statues and four chapels carved out of the rock salt by the miners deep under the ground.”