The Massacre at El Mozote.

For SS 363, you are asked to write a 6 page critical essay. All essays must be typed and double-spaced with approximately one-inch margins. Any essay that does not meet the length requirement will not be accepted, nor will any that are turned in after the stated due date.

Proper style, spelling and grammar should be used in this essay, of course, and will be taken into account. A critical aspect of style is the citation of direct quotations. Whenever information is used verbatim, the original author must be acknowledged. Failure to do so is plagiarism and academic misconduct. Footnotes, endnotes and parenthetical citations are all acceptable for this essay. A parenthetical citation includes the author’s name, title of the work (if necessary) and the page number from which the quote is drawn, e.g. (Danner, 43). A bibliography is necessary only if sources other than the assigned texts are utilized.

The purpose of this essay is to have students present an argument and give evidence to back it up. There is no correct answer, only well-argued and badly-argued ones. Be certain to present specific evidence to support your statements. If none of these topics appeals, I will be willing to consider alternatives, if brought to me and approved in advance. It is not necessary to consult sources other than those required for this course, but students should feel free to do so. If outside materials are used, a bibliography is required.

Your essay should begin with a strong thesis that articulates your argument clearly and succinctly. The remainder of the essay should never stray too far from this thesis, regardless of which aspects are discussed. The various points which are raised should all pertain in some fashion to the central thesis that is established at the onset. While your thesis should be strong, one must be careful not to ignore evidence that is at odds with your interpretation. This evidence should be dealt with, and dismissed or integrated into the essay. If the conclusions you reach are not supported by the evidence you present, then those conclusions should probably be rethought.

As this is, in all likelihood, your first experience with a critical essay of this sort, I anticipate questions. Please, feel free to set up an appointment to speak with me, or come in to my office hours if you have any. The issues you will be dealing with are difficult, and discussing them with me may prove helpful. I am also more than willing to look over rough drafts or outlines. Remember that the more complete the draft is, the better I can assess its strengths and weaknesses. I will only examine rough drafts up to two days before the due date. Buena Suerte.

NOTE: THE USE OF FIRST OR SECOND PERSON OR PROFANITY (EXCEPT IN NECESSARY, DIRECT QUOTATIONS) IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED)

NOTE: STAY AWAY FROM THE INTERNET–IT WILL ONLY CAUSE PROBLEMS

TERM PAPER TOPIC:

The United States government bears almost complete responsibility for the Massacre at El Mozote, as the U.S. President, Congress, and military encouraged the policies that led to the massacre, trained and armed the soldiers responsible, and covered it up. Argue for or against this statement and present evidence to support your argument. Make sure you discuss the actions taken by most, if not all, U.S. officials who had a hand in the decision making process.