This document outlines the requirements for a research paper on global genocides. Students will research one of several preselected genocides or another genocide of their choosing. They will write a 2-3 page paper informing the reader about the genocide and comparing one aspect of it to the Holocaust. To complete the assignment, students must conduct preliminary research to choose a genocide, find a minimum of 5 credible sources on their topic, and address key details and lasting impacts of the genocide in their paper. They will also critically compare one aspect of their genocide to the Holocaust.

1. The Holocaust and Other Global Genocides
Research Paper
Genocide is the intent to systematically eliminate a racial, ethnic, religious,
linguistic (language), cultural or national group. The Holocaust was the largest
genocide in world history, however there are some other very important and just
as horrific genocides in history that deserve our attention and remembrance. This
research paper is designed to do just that.
Project Overview: For this paper, you will conduct preliminary research to determine
which of the preselected genocides in history most interests you. Then once you have
determined which genocide you will focus on, you will conduct research using MEL.org
and other sources to learn about the genocide. You will then write a research paper that
first informs your reader about the genocide, and then compares it to an aspect or
aspects of the Holocaust. This is a major assignment and we will therefore be spending a
great deal of time on researching and writing the paper.
Possible Genocides to Research:
Armenian Genocide (WWI)
Chinese Occupation and Sinization of Tibet
Cambodian Genocide (late 1070s)
Rwandan Genocide (1994)
War in Darfur
***if there is a genocide that you would like to research that is not on this
list- SEE ME

2. Preliminary Research
To begin, you must read up on these genocides to see which you would like to
learn more about. To do this, conduct a basic internet search (Wikipedia is fine at this
stage) and fill out the chart that will be given to you to record your findings. This step is
really important because you will want to select a genocide that you are interested in so
that the paper is more meaningful and fun for you!
Research Requirements
For your paper you will a minimum of need 5 sources. All sources will need to be
cited correctly in MLA format on your works cited page AND in your paper. Your
sources must come from CREDIBLE sources, Wikipedia at this stage is no longer
acceptable. We will primarily be using MEL.org databases, which filter out only reliable
and factual information for you- bonus: almost all of these databases have these sources
already documented in MLA format for you.
What to Research
You will want to find out the following information about the genocide you have
chosen:
 Where and when it took place
 Groups involved: those committing the genocide and the victims
 Causes
 Major events
 Resolutions- some of these may be on going but know how the
situation stands now
 Any remaining problems currently? Are there any side effects or
lasting impacts of the genocide?
Compare and Contrast to the Holocaust
You will also need to decide how or in what ways the genocide you chose is
similar and different to the Holocaust. You will likely not find this in your research, so
this will be a judgement that YOU make based on YOUR research and knowledge of the
Holocaust. Selection one aspect of the Holocaust and the genocide to focus on: such as
how the victims were treated/killed, how/why the dominate group rose to power, or how

3. resolution was brought about. Do not simply say that the Holocaust was larger and the
genocide was smaller; I want you to think critically about how these genocides compare
to one another.
The Research Paper
Your paper will be 2-3 pages long with a separate works cited page documenting
your 5, or more, sources. The paper will have two parts: Information on the research
genocide and a compare and contrast to the Holocaust. The first part should make up
about 2/3s of your essay, with the later only 1/3. The primary focus is on presenting your
research, not the comparison to the Holocaust.
Additional must haves:
 Minimum of 3 quotations, and no more than 5.
 Minimum of 2 paraphrases
 Correct MLA in text citations for each quote and paraphrase
 Correct MLA format for the paper and the work cited page