Unit 2 Ancient Civilizations What is a society? What is a Civilization? What are the Components of a Society? Nov. 1st, 2016

Definitions of a Society An organized group of persons associated together and living together in organized communities with shared laws, traditions, and values. A highly structured system of human organization which furnishes in protection, security, and a national identity for its members. Society is the way groups of people have organized themselves to live together.

Two Types of Societies Civilization Primitive Culture/Society An advanced state of human society, in which a high level of culture, science, industry, and government has been reached. Primitive Culture/Society Primitive culture refers to a society believed to lack cultural, technological, economic sophistication or development. These societies are further characterized by features that may include lack of a written language, relative isolation, small population, relatively simple social institutions and technology, and a generally slow rate of sociocultural change.

The 5 basic components needed in order to build a society Political organization Religion/Spirituality Education Economics Culture

Political Organization There must be some form of a political organization in order for a civilization to exist. A political organization is any organization that is involved in the political process. Political organizations are engaged in political activities aimed at achieving clearly-defined political goals which sets out to improve the political system and looks to benefit the interests of their members. Political organizations often have a ‘head of state’ or head of government.’ for example, we have Prime Ministers and Presidents in our civilizations today. In ancient civilizations we see Emperors, Kings, and Chiefs as the ‘head of state’. Political Organization

Religion & Spirituality Religion or spirituality is another component that is needed in order for a civilization to exist. A religion is considered to be the belief in and worship of an ultimate being that a society/individual will have. It provides the civilization with a meaning and significance to live. In some cases, religion is a source for power and economic growth. Religion & Spirituality

Education is another important component as it has a big influence on the civilizations. Individuals within a society will be brought up and taught in a certain way to follow the beliefs, views and perspectives a society has. Without education, early generations will fail to learn the way of live or of ‘doing things’ – learning how to do certain tasks that can be passed on from generation to the next is crucially importance for the success of the civilization. Education

Economics will include the type of work and jobs that will be offered within a society. It also has a significant impact on the ability to trade with other civilizations, so that these civilizations are able to thrive in the gathering of resources and wealth. Relations with countries helps promote security for the civilization through the use of trade. Economics

Culture will include values, beliefs, knowledge, language, traditions, and symbols. A society’s values and beliefs can be essential for technology to grow and develop. Culture

Gateway #1 Question Based on your understanding of the 5 components, rank them from 1-5 (1 being the most important for a civilization). Explain why you have ranked them that way, by providing examples where necessary.

Entrance Slip Please answer the following questions on the index cards. Please make sure you leave one side blank as we will be coming back to these cards. What is a society? – Write your own definition of what a society is. What are the components/building blocks of a society? What is the makeup of a society?

Lets share your thoughts What is a Society? Lets share your thoughts

Return to Entrance Slip On the flip side of your Entrance slip, answer the following questions: What is a ‘primitive culture’? What is a ‘civilized culture’? What do these look like? Examples