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Background
In 1948, three years after World War II and the horrible events of the Holocaust, representatives of the United Nations held the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. At the convention the definition of genocide was completed. The ultimate goal was to identify and prevent genocide around the world. Genocide is the “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: a) Killing members of the group; b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.”
We will be working with this definition along with the eight stages of genocide theory proposed by Gregory Stanton in 1996. The eight stages include: classification, symbolization, dehumanization, organization, polarization, preparation, extermination, and denial. In this context, we will research and analyze instances of genocide over the past one hundred years, such as occurred during the Holocaust, and in Armenia, Bosnia, Cambodia, Darfur, or Rwanda. |
Task Definition and Timeline
Your job is to research one occurrence of genocide from the list provided, and determine how the genocide meets the criteria of the eight stages, as defined by Gregory Stanton. You will develop a thesis statement, at least one paragraph on each of the 8 stages of genocide, and a conclusion. Grading rubrics will be provided by your teachers.
Your research will be conducted in the library and at home, using both print and on-line resources. The School Librarian will provide instruction on research and critical thinking skills during the class periods spent in the library. You will also continue your research and practice note taking skills through nightly homework assignments. With guidance from Mrs. Richard, you will complete the Genocide graphic organizer for your research paper, which will then be used to write a formal paper, using MLA format and citations.
Your paper will:
Explain: Provide background information on the genocide (Introduction)
Evaluate: How does the genocide fit the United Nations definition of genocide and does it meet all eight stages of genocide?
Analyze: develop a thesis statement and write at least one paragraph on each of the 8 stages of genocide.
Explain: Summarize what you have learned about the genocide and draw a conclusion from your findings.
Synthesize: Write a persuasive letter to President Obama stating your opinion (whether you agree or disagree) with the Reward for Justice program, which was expanded this year to include monetary rewards for information on individuals indicted for genocide and crimes against humanity.
This research project originated from West Middlesex Middle School, North Caldwell, NJ
"Home - 7th Grade Research: Genocide - LibGuides at West Essex Middle School." Home LibGuides at West Essex Middle School . West Essex Middle School Library, n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2012. <http://wems.westex.libguides.com/content.php?pid=293230&sid=2407191>.