2 River Valley Civilizations to 500 B.C.E.
Unit Summary
At the heart of this unit are the river valley civilizations. There is a focus on defining the term civilization, and that this is a difficult task. Students will examine the idea of "geographic luck" and analyze the extent to which this might impact a society. In this unit, the writing focus is on the analytical paragraph (standards W1.a and W1.e). Students will also engage in socratic discussions and inquiry of Indian artifacts.
Guns, Germs, and Steel Video
Enduring Understandings
Essential Questions
geography affects the culture and demographics of a society.
complex institutions emerge as society develops.
the development of agriculture is a significant (watershed) event in the development of societies.
it is problematic to define a civilization.
there are lasting impacts from the early civilizations (Hammurabi, Gigamesh)
Are there common characteristics of civilizations? Have they changed overtime?
How can "geographic luck" explain the success or failure of a civilization?
How is India today connected to its past?
How have ancient civilizations influenced life today?
Guns, Germs, and Steel
Jared Diamond 1999
What are the values and limitations of this source for understanding of the development of civilization?
We will introduce this unit with an excerpt from Diamonds book.
We will read to gain understanding about Diamond's question and how it started his research.
Use the Video Guide to follow along.
Guiding question:
What is geographic luck? Do you totally agree with Diamond's theory?
How does Guns, Germs, and Steel influence the way you think about world history and human interaction?
What criteria do you think Diamond uses to determine the success of a civilization?
What criteria would YOU use to determine the success of a civilization? How does if compare to Diamond's theory?
According to Diamond, would the people of New Guinea be considered "civilized"? Why or why not? Do you personally agree? Explain your answer.
To what extent does geography impact a civilization?
EXTENSION: What are the criticisms of Guns, Germs and Steel? How does this relate to limitations of the source's purpose or content?
We will read the text together to deepen our understanding of:
identifying the authors purpose
paraphrasing key information
Introducing the guided inquiry model
The Research, the presentation and the write up
Resources to support your learning
Text Book Sections
Chapter 2: Early River Valley Civilizations
Section 1: City States in Mesopotamia
Section 2: Pyramids on the Nile
Section 3: Planned Cities on the Indus
Section 4: River Dynasties in China
Supporting Videos
Mesopotamia
Egypt
Indus Valley
The Agricultural Revolution
MR. GIVICH'S DAILY BLOG
Day 1 - September 11
Return OPCVL formative assignment and review grading norms. The next one will be summative so be sure you understand the expectations.
Discuss concept of "civilization"
Break into assigned small groups to discuss how a people form a civilization? What has to happen for a group/tribe of hunter/gathers to transform and be considered a civilization? How do they get there? As a group formulate a list of common characteristics that all civilizations must possess in order to be considered a civilization. Each group will put their list on the white board and explain why they choose those specific characteristics. Each member of the group must speak in the explanation of the list.
Day 2 - September 13
Review Essential Questions and Enduring Understanding of the unit (with specific reference to the lists we created the previous class).
As a class watch "Guns, Germs, and Steel". At the conclusion you will be required to write out answers to the guiding questions listed above. Be aware of the questions prior to watching so that you will be able to answer afterwards. As it is posted on the blog you may go back and re-watch sections in order to be sure of your answer. Questions will be turned in at the beginning of the following class.
For Homework:
Complete civilization story if you haven't already.
Write out answers to the following questions:
Guiding question:
What is geographic luck? Do you totally agree with Diamond's theory?
How does Guns, Germs, and Steel influence the way you think about world history and human interaction?
What criteria do you think Diamond uses to determine the success of a civilization?
What criteria would YOU use to determine the success of a civilization? How does if compare to Diamond's theory?
According to Diamond, would the people of New Guinea be considered "civilized"? Why or why not? Do you personally agree? Explain your answer.
To what extent does geography impact a civilization?
Complete Video worksheet.
DAY 4 - September 17th
Review Guns, Germs, & Steel Video Guide and homework questions.
Introduce Yali's Question paraphrase assignment. Complete paraphrasing in small groups and present your paraphrase version to the class explaining meaning.
DAY 5 - September 19th
Artifact exercise. Civilization examination.
DAY 6 - September 23rd (shorter class)
IF YOU MISSED THIS CLASS PLEASE BE SURE TO WATCH THE WHAT MAKES A CIVILIZATION POWERPOINT LINKED ABOVE! Also communicate with other members of your group (see below) to determine your research focus.
Discuss common traits of civilization. Hand out River Valley Research Instructions linked here and above. The instruction sheet has been updated so please refer to the linked copy!!!!!!!!!!!
DAY 7 - September 25th (shorter class)
Introduce and assign Ancient Civilization Research (summatively graded), Group PowerPoint Project (formatively graded), Informational in-class Writing Assignment (summatively graded). Rubrics linked on research instruction handout.
Group 1: Maena, JaeHun, Aadi ANCIENT INDIA, HARAPPAN (Indus River Valley Civ 3300-1600 BC)
Group 2: Sana, SeungYeon, Rahul, Vinayak MESOPOTAMIA (Ur III Empire, 2112-2004 BC)
Group 3: Sophie, Michele, HanGyeol, Nikita EGYPT (Old Kingdom 2686-2124 BC)
Group 4: Shiv, Ananya, Anne Sophie ANCIENT CHINA (up to 600 BC: Xia, Shang, Zhou)
DAY 8 - September 27th
Here is the library link for this project. It is linked above as well.
Meet in Library Tagore Room for research assignment (note cards) to support Ancient Civilization Project
DAY 9 - October 1st
Continue research in Library Tagore Room and produce a minimum of 8 handwritten note cards (demonstrating paraphrasing and correct format) will be summatively assessed. A work cited page will also be assessed summatively and must contain at least two sources, one of which will be an online source and another a book.
DAY 10 - October 4th
Work in classroom to complete slide show (and practice presenting if you are far enough along) River Valley Civilization Traits Project
DAY 11 - October 9th
Finishing touches on River Valley Presentations - Begin Group Presentations
DAY 12 - October 11th
FIELD TRIP TO INDIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM - MEET AT GATE 1 - YOU MUST BRING YOUR STUDENT ID
DAY 13 - October 15th
Complete Presentations
October 18/19 are Parent Conferences
DAY 14 - October 21st
Outline information to be reviewed for summative Informational in-class writing assignment. Review, discuss, study for homework.
DAY 15 - October 23
Summative Informational in-class writing assignment
DAY 16 - October 25
Introduce Hammurabi's Code DBQ analysis in preparation of Summative source analysis. Discuss what it was, where it is, why it was important. Begin to answer questions printed on document.
DAY 17 - November 5
Finish DBQ packet questions. Insure that we understand exactly what the code calls for. Mini Socratic Seminar (think more formal discussion) regarding the fairness of the code and whether or not it is applicable today.
DAY 18 - November 7
Summative OPCVL (both bullet points and paragraph) on Hammurabi's Code as a single source.