Archaeology

QOD: Why is the job of an archeologist so important?

We began class by discussing how the work of an archeologist impacts other fields. For the rest of the period, students worked on their vocabulary sheets and in some classes we began to discuss the newly introduced key terms.

Current events are due tomorrow. I will also be changing my classroom around in an attempt to avoid some of the distractions that have been plaguing my classes.

Vocabulary 1.1

QOD: What did you learn by reading 'The Body Ritual of the Nacirema'?

After another discussion regarding culture, students were introduced to my way of presenting vocabulary terms. They were given a worksheet and instructions for completing the assignment. Some students may not have finished, but they will be given additional time at a later date.

I will only see periods 1, 2, 3, and 4 tomorrow. Enjoy your half day off!

Culture

QOD: What is culture? Describe it...

Today we discussed two important concepts: culture and perspective. After reading the ethnography regarding the Nacirema, students were able to see their own 'culture' through the eyes of an outsider.

Tomorrow students will be introduced to their first set of vocabulary and they will have their first real look at the text.

Oh, and yes, current events are due every Friday unless I specifically state otherwise!

Written Language and Civilization

QOD:  Why is written language an important part of civilization?

After discussing the question of the day, we spent a bit of time refreshing on the five key components.  For the rest of the period, students worked on a graphic organizer which will help me to check for understanding.  A few students did not finish the assignment in class; they were given until the start of class on Friday to turn the assignment in to me.

Tomorrow is current events Friday.  There is a lot to talk about.  I am looking forward to some good discussion in class!

Civilization Defined

QOD:  Why is government an important part of civilization?  For this question, I asked that students write at least two sentences.  We used this question to refresh a previous class and to demonstrate understanding of a key concept.

We spent the period discussing the importance of art, architecture, infrastructure, and written language.  After discussing these concepts, all students should have a similar definition of civilization which is the key to this course.  All students should know that a civilization is more complex than a simple society.  In order for a society to reach the level of a civilization the following must be present:  1. centralized government, 2. organized religion, 3. job specialization / social classes, 4. art, architecture, and infrastructure, and written language.

In class tomorrow, we will complete an assignment which will help me to determine how well the students understand these key concepts.

Social Class / Job Specialization

Today we began by refining our definition of civilization via the question of the day.

We spent the rest of the period discussing the importance of job specialization and social classes to any civilization.

By the end of class tomorrow, students should be able to define civilization and specifically incorporate the five key components.

Don't forget... Current events are due each Friday!!

Civilization

For our question of the day, students were asked to define political science and economics in their composition books.

I introduced civilization as our next major concept and we began to discuss the five components. In most classes we discussed the roles of government and organized religion in civilization.

Tomorrow, we will pick up where we left off and move further toward complete understanding of the very important course concept.