Elements of Civilization

Geography the interaction of people with their environment in order to control it to

their advantage (geographic features, climate and natural resources)
a. arrangement of countries, cities, states, population centres, etc.
b. movement of population within the region
c. adaptations made in order to live in a particular environment and or changes
people have made to the environment for their own purpose
d. uses of natural resources to meet the needs of the community
e. effects of natural disasters on the environment and the people
Economics study of the goods and services; how they are produced, distributed , and
used.
a. needs of the people
b. exchange system (money, barter, trade)
c. jobs and services provided by the people
d. natural resources used to produce goods and gain wealth
e. technology developed, borrowed and changed, and used by the civilization
f. manufactured products
g. trade and dependence on other civilizations
Political systems systems of government; the organized, formal structures of a
community that allow it to function smoothly.
a. types of government
b. laws
c. enforcement of laws and punishment
d. judicial systems
e. methods of selecting leaders
f. political parties
g. rights and responsibilities
h. relationships between states or other political units
Ethics and belief systems principles of right and good behaviour; and the way of life
based on belief/s in some kind of divine power.
a. belief in god, gods, or spirits
b. interaction of god, gods, or spirits in the life of people as believed by the
people
c. meaning of life and the purpose of ones existence
d. what is right and what is wrong and how it came about
e. ideas and beliefs that guide behaviour and decisions of individuals and the
government
f. dealing with right and wrong issues in the culture
Culture new knowledge or ideas, the arts, and all things that add to the quality of
life.
a. common physical traits of the people
b. language and the writing system
c. groups of people that make up the population
d. art people value and enjoy
e. architecture and design of buildings
f. literature people read and write

g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.

music people play and listen to

dances people do and enjoy
celebrations, holidays, and festivals
foods prepared and eaten
shelters and homes
clothing people wear
recreation
education of the people

Social systems the systems set up by groups of people that enable them to live and
work together.
a. family structures
b. class systems/social levels
c. communities
d. neighbourhood
e. clubs/organizations