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Essay Instructions: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Rhineland Massacres of 1069 to see if the cause was at linked to anti-semetism. According to Jonathan Riley-Smith, “charismatic preachers who are engaged in raising armies against eternal enemies used evocative language that encouraged violence against Jews.” Thus, the church very much implied anti-Jewish sentiment, which culminated in violence “through speeches that contained themes that could spark off anti-Jewish aggression in those who had or had not taken the cross,” (Robert Chazan). However, is this actually true? The church’s stance towards Jews seems to of been tolerable during this period because they were allowed to live among Christians and Christians were forbidden to harm them. Thus what were some of the reason for the massacres of Jews in this area? Did this event occur to to earlier persecutions and did it set a stage for further anti-Jewish attacks/sentiments in later crusades. (examples Bernard of Clairvaux and the second crusade, the third crusade, and the black death)

SUGGESTED SOURCES:

-In the year 1096: The First Crusade and the Jews by Robert Chazan
-Medieval Stereotypes and Modern anti-semitism by Robert Chazan
-The Friars and the Jews by Jeremy Cohen
-Religious Violence between Christians and Jews by Anna Sapir Abulafia
-The attitude of St Bernard of Clairvaux toward the Jews by David Berger (www.jstor.org)

Essay Instructions: Instructions for Assignments:

In a 2-page, typed, double-spaced assignments, using your textbook, course pack, lecture material, and the Internet where appropriate, discuss in a brief essay, in your own words, any four of the following topics. If you simply copy an entire article, you will receive a zero for the assignment and will not be allowed to make it up. Each extra credit assignment is worth the weighted equivalent of 10 points added on to your lowest course grade. Extra credit assignments must be sent submitted through the EO assignment tab.

TOPICS:

a.The genocide in Darfur. (Why did it start, who is to blame, what should be done?)

b.In light of the various massacres in public areas around the United States since Columbine High School in 1999, and most recently the December 2012, Newtown, Connecticut murder of twenty 6 and 7 year old children in their elementary school, should guns be in the hands of citizens or not? Think about this as you write this essay.

The US Constitution's Second Amendment states "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html
People have been arguing about what this means since the 1980s. Does it mean that individuals have the right to have guns? Or, does it mean that guns should be heavily regulated and that individual citizens should have guns only for hunting and guns should be only in the hands of law enforcement and the military?

c.Religious violence and/or religious extremism. (Remember that all religions have engaged in violence and extremism throughout history.)

d.The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. (Why did they happen and what can be done to prevent terrorism from happening again on American soil?)

e.The use of the “N” word and the “B” word in popular music. (Should artists continue to use this language or should it be banned? Defend your answer!)

f.The situation of the Jena 6. (Was justice served in this case in any way? Defend your answer!)

Essay Instructions: Demonstrate a better understanding of the radical roots of the United States and how this heritage tends to provide polemic "fuel" for the domestic extremist.
Judge the writings of contemporary academicians and others whose works tend to provide reasonable explanations regarding why domestic terrorism emerges in the United States, even though it is viewed as the most progressive, free, and democratic state in the World.
Evaluate some of the principal drivers behind contemporary political violence in the United States.
Show an understanding of the design and purpose of the National Strategy for Homeland Security and the Patriot Act (PL107-56) in order to gain an appreciation for the complexities involved in protecting the Homeland against acts of terrorism. This is particularly salient since the purpose of each is to facilitate a secure environment in a way that does not reduce or otherwise infringe on the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, and other laws designed to protect and guarantee citizens rights.

Use the following as a references along with other peer reviewed journals: Juergensmeyer, M. (2000). Terror in the Mind of God: The Global Rise of Religious Violence. Los Angeles: University of California.

Emerson, S. (2002). American Jihad. New York: Simon & Schuster.

George J. & Wilcox, L. (1996). American Extremist. New York: Prometheus Books.

Barkun, M. (1997). Religion and the Racist Right. Charlotte: University of North Carolina.

Also please use recent events (Ft Hood shooting suspect, New York Subway bomber, and other similar incidents) to highlight causes and possible preventative measures.

Use multiple sources to validate views and to prove thesis statement. Sources from peer reviewed journals are required to add validity in proving an idea or opinion. Use quotes and paraphrasing appropriately, backing up views and opinions. First person is not allowed. Avoid clichés and repetitive use of the same word.