SNAPSHOT I: Ancient Civilizations

APWH Habits of the mind: Seeing global patterns over time and space Developing the ability to compare within and among societies Developing the ability to assess claims of universal standards, yet remaining aware of human commonalties and differences Developing the ability to assess issues of change and continuity over time Directions: 1. Use the Bentley text (ch. 2-5) to research the five developing civilizations to complete this chart. 2. As you read, use the SPEC worksheets to take notes and classify your information. If you are in doubt as to what you are looking for, consult your SPEC information sheets (below) for definitions. 3. When you have completed gathering information, you want to develop a main idea sentence for each category (it needs to umbrella all your notes). Try to make it one or two sentences. 4. Now you are ready to move information to the actual Snapshot chart: a. Color each civilization on the map and designate each by coloring the box next its name with the appropriate color. b. Put dates of the civilization next to its name. c. Using the SPEC letters as subheadings, transfer ONLY your main idea sentences to the chart under each appropriate civilization. Keep them in the same order for each civilization so their similarities and differences can be easily compared. 5. ON THE BACK OF THE CHART: a. List the three common characteristics of civilization. COMMON MEANS THEY ALL HAVE IT! b. Explain 2 similar aspects of at least 3 of the civilizations. c. Explain 2 contrasting aspects of 2 of the civilizations.
SPEC Information Sheet Social: Nature and complexity of social structure Potential for individual and group mobility Functions of the family Roles and power of family members Gender roles Extent of urbanization Extent of links between elite and masses Population density Leisure pursuits Political: Degree of political centralization Extent and nature of bureaucracy Ideological foundation of government Levels of state control over industry and trade Method of succession in government Nature of contrast between state and society Loyalty to government of local and central authorities Economic: Role of agriculture in economy Role of merchants in society Labor systems like slavery, corvee, serfdom, free laborers, etc Role of landlords Role of manufacturing Level of technology Levels of internal trade Levels of international trade Gender divisions in the economy Cultural: Dominant religions Role of religion within society Philosophical systems Artistic and literary style Cultural tolerance or lack of tolerance Interest in foreign cultures and ideas Societys support of cultural pursuits Cultural support of gender and social hierarchy