Wrapping up Civilization

Over the last week, we explored the five components of civilization.  Students created their own civilizations, in small groups, which were comprised of those components.  As they worked through it, most students demonstrated that they understood all of the areas.  The one part that seemed to give them the most trouble was:  Art, Architecture, and Infrastructure.  It was the 'infrastructure' that got them!  At any rate, I am going to take the time to define each area in my post this week.

1. Centralized Government:  This is the governing system which is concerned with the areas that affect the entire nation including defense, international relations, taxation and trade.  In the United States, we tend to think of the three branches of government which work together to make and enforce laws as well as keep us safe.
2. Organized Religion:  This is a belief  in a higher power (like a god) which is a common thread among the civilization.  In the United States, we are free to practice whichever religion we choose (or none at all).
3. Art, Architecture, and Infrastructure:  Art and Architecture are both means of expression.  Art refers to the way the people of a civilization express themselves and is closely related to architecture. Architecture refers to the design of, and creation of, structures and space used for a multitude of purposes. Infrastructure is the framework on which the civilization is built.  It can be used to describe communication, transportation, and other forms of public works (power plants, water treatment facilities, schools, etc.).  All of these are evident in the United States.
4. Job Specialization and Social Classes:  Job specialization refers to the need for skilled workers and is very closely related to social classes.  Typically, skilled workers make more money than unskilled and therefore find themselves in different social classes.  Social classes are basically groups of people who are put together for one reason or another.  In the United States, we tend to think we have a three class system where people are divided in to upper, middle, and lower classes. However, social classes do not have to be related to money.  People can be divided by gender, race, geographic location, skills, education, or anything else for that matter.
5. Written Language:  Written language is the way in which a civilization keeps records (history) and communicates among it self and with others.

My morning classes also prepared and presented their first current events assignment of the year.  For the most part, they were well done.  Remember that national or international stories work better for this assignment.  These assignments are important because they help us to think about modern issues and they reinforce the concept of civilization.  For those in my afternoon class (six and eight) the assignment is due on Monday.

We will continue to review the above-mentioned areas this week, but our focus will shift toward timelines and geography.  There will be a test on Friday regarding the components of civilization.

As always, if you have any questions you can post them on the blog or ask me in class.