Philosophy

Adam Jones provides “case studies” of genocide. In class we will cover the following: the Armenian/Assyrian/Greek Genocides, the Cambodian Genocide, the Genocides in Kosovo and Bosnia, and the Rwandan Genocide. While Jones’s treatment is extensive, you are encouraged to research outside his text for further information in order to achieve the following:

• A connection between your definition of genocide and the event you will analyze;
• A clear description of historical / cultural background;
• Identification of perpetrators, victims, locations (maps are helpful to readers);
• First-hand accounts of perpetrators and victims (testimony, memoirs, poems) and if helpful, secondary accounts like histories, media coverage, etc.;
• Psychological aspects of the genocidal actions (before, during, after. This will include the response of the international community). Waller will be necessary here;
• Philosophic issues involved in your topic. Course readings will be necessary here;
• Reflections / lessons / conclusions you draw from your study.

Your grade will reflect

1. a thesis or position that informs the essay and helps shape other features like organization, kinds of support/evidence, etc.
2. critical and reflective capabilities in analysis and commentary.
3. a logical flow to ideas, unified paragraphs, and effective transitions between paragraphs.
4. effective incorporation of research materials.
5. demonstrated mastery of revision and editing skills (few if any surface errors).
6. correct MLA or APA documentation and adequate citation.

Generally, if you complete all requirements of the paper assignment, the grade range is between C and A, with a C representing average but satisfactory execution of the above criteria, a B representing above average execution, and an A representing superior execution. An "A" paper will incorporate a thesis that goes well beyond description, even beyond argument, and succeeds in articulating an explicit, insightful, and sophisticated interpretation. Such an interpretation requires a deeper than average understanding, integrative skills (bringing various pieces together like structure and theme), and personal engagement with the text.

If you use web sources in any of your presentations, research, or writing, be sure that your source is reliable and that you know the current MLA or APA standards for documenting e-sources.