Introduction to Civilization

Learn the four themes of the courseUnderstand the connections of those themesDevelop a concept of what civilization is

Learning Intentions

Four Themes of Social Studies 8Civilization

Power

Religion

Power

Culture

Mind MappingGet a group of FourEach member has one of the themes.Brainstorm words you associate with your

theme.Share your words and have the recorder write

down your words on the big page.Take a moment to add on new ideasDraw linking lines between the different

themes if they share a wordBe ready to share!

I. A definition of, “Civilization”

“Civilization” by The history teachers: write down words that you hear frequently!

a group of people living and working together for the purpose of creating an organized society

People living in civilizations have the ability to use tools, work together

cooperatively, and communicate with

each other.

C.The five features of a civilization are:Stable food supplySpecialization of laborA system of

governmentSocial levelsA highly developed

culture that includes art, architecture, religion, music, and law. Frequently, civilizations also have a system of writing.

D.Within civilizations there can be many cultures

II. Defining “Culture”There are many definitions for the concept of

culture but they are generally the same in meaning:

group's beliefs, norms, institutions and communication patterns.

is a learned way of living shared by a group of people.

Cultures can be identified by certain patterns:

III. Patterns of CultureSocial scientists use a

system of classification to study cultures. This system identifies areas of similarity based on peoples' needs and wants. The patterns are:EconomicPoliticalKinship Recreation and Play

(leisure activities) EducationalArtisticReligious – we will be

examining this pattern in detail

IV. Definition of “Religion”:A religion is a set of beliefs which includes ideas

about the following: The existence of a god, gods or special non-human

beings The existence of sacred texts How the universe is organized How we should live our daily lives Essential ceremonies or other practices The existence of one or more holy (or other special)

people. Whether or not we should have institutions (eg.

Churches, synagogues, councils, priests) to support the set of beliefs

Why we exist What happens to human beings after death

Islam "No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself." Sunnah

Taoism “The good man "ought to pity the malignant tendencies of others; to rejoice over their excellence; to help them in their straits; to regard their gains as if they were his own, and their loses in the same way.“The Thai-Shang, 3

Confucianism “Surely it is the maxim of loving kindness: Do not unto others that

you would not have them do unto you.“ Analects, XV, 23

Buddhism "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.“ Udana-Varqa, 5:18

Judaism "What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow men. That is the entire law, all the rest is commentary.“ The Talmud, Shabbat, 31a

Hinduism "This is the sum of all true righteousness: deal with others as thou wouldst thyself be dealt by. Do nothing to thy neighbour which thou wouldst not have him do to thee after.“ The Mahabbarata

Christianity "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. For this is the law and the prophets.“ Matthew 7:12

What do all these messages have in common?

Cultural Quotes

Writing AssignmentWrite a one page (200-300 word) response to ONE of the

following topics.Your work must neatly hand-written, and your ideas should

be your own.

Topics:1. Why might religion influence some peoples’ lives?2. How does your culture influence or define you? 3. Why is it important to have divisions of labour and

social classes in a civilization?

B. Due: NEXT CLASSC. This is simply a quick assessment of your ability to write a

short paragraph. D. Please submit via GoogleDocs and share with

morgan.mclaughlin@mycw.org