Beginnings of Civilization Syllabus



Unit Introduction: This unit will look at the origins and development of societies and civilizations. We will trace the origins of humankind and discuss how the pre-modern human developed. We will examine some essential questions: What is the definition of a civilization? What circumstances led to the beginnings of organized government? How did geography play a role in the development of civilizations? How did humans adapt to their environment? What happened when peoples from different societies interacted? Reading List for World History: The Human OdysseyTopicPagesDue dates 1. The First HumansChapter 1 (pg. 4-19)9/23/11Questions: Answer the following questions. Your responses must be typed or neatly written in blue or black ink on a separate sheet of paper. Your responses should be thought out, thorough, and backed with evidence.According to the text, what is the key difference between historians and anthropologists?If Homo erectus were alive today, do you believe that we (Homo sapiens sapiens) would consider him a “human,” or and “animal”? Why?Considering our lesson on pre-history and cave art, is the study of the pre-historic era worthwhile? Why or why not? Define and explain the term Paleolithic Age. And identify what the text reveals about each of the following regarding Paleolithic people:Obtaining foodGender rolesArt Why might have the artists of cave paintings portrayed animals more accurately than humans? Why do the animals take a realistic form, but humans are often a mere stick figure?The text indicates that “the first statues of what appear to be religious subjects [goddesses] portray women with exaggerated motherly features.” Why do you think this is so?What kinds of things might a civilization with a well-developed writing system be able to do, that a society without writing could not?One of the most basic economics concepts is “specialization of labor.” Explain the possible consequences that might emerge in a society as a result of the development of specialized labor.Create a Venn diagram comparing the Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages.Your textbook discusses many changes brought about by the development of food production during the Neolithic Age. Briefly explain the five most important effects of food production on the way humans lived. In your opinion, which of these effects is most important in terms of the future of the human race? Explain your position. What is the single event that brings about an end of the “Stone Age” in human history?Identify and explains the significance of the following terms in a paragraph:Bronze AgeCatal Huyuk Lascaux ................
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