Final answer:
A mass killing is defined as several (or many) people being killed in a single episode. Option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mass killing is defined as the act or an instance of killing a number of human beings under circumstances of atrocity or cruelty. This includes pogroms, mass executions, and crimes against humanity that lead to death. Specifically, option c: several (or many) people are killed in a single episode, aligns with the definition of mass killing. It is important to note that while mass killing is not considered to be genocide, the acts are no less vicious and tragically final for the victims.
Terms like extermination are used when the victims are killed in mass, and the killers do not consider their victims to be fully human. This stage of extermination is often state-sponsored, and is associated with genocides. Additionally, mass killings have historically targeted not only those of differing racial or ethnic backgrounds but also different religious views, leading to tragic instances of violence over differences in beliefs.
Understanding mass murders and genocides requires recognition of the systematic and deliberate aspects of these acts, often planned and executed with the intent to destroy entire communities or populations. Contextual examples of these can be seen in cases such as Pol Pot's Killing Fields or Hitler's Holocaust, both of which involved the systematic killing of targeted groups.