Unit Outline
The purpose of this unit is to explore the causes, characteristics, and achievements of ancient agricultural civilisations, as well as their legacies on the world today. As you learnt in the previous unit, the development of agricultural was a turning point in human history that enabled humans to manipulate natural systems and resources, leading to the development of cities. The economic success of these cities in gathering and producing resources led to the eventual development of huge empires and civilisations. These civilisations developed new social organisations and cultural innovations that have stood the test of time.
This unit will therefore explore the geographical and economic processes that led to the development of civilisations, as well as the key historical achievements and turning points that marked the development of these civilisations. A geographical focus will enable students to understand the cultural traits of these civilisations by examining the connections between the environment and culture.
This unit will therefore explore the geographical and economic processes that led to the development of civilisations, as well as the key historical achievements and turning points that marked the development of these civilisations. A geographical focus will enable students to understand the cultural traits of these civilisations by examining the connections between the environment and culture.
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statement of inquiry
"Civilisations have developed at different times and locations, bringing about new cultural achievements and beliefs"
global context
Orientation in Time and Space - Students will explore personal histories; homes and journeys; turning points in humankind; discoveries; explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between, and the interconnectedness of, individuals and civilizations, from personal, local and global perspectives.
key concept
Time, Place, and Space - The intrinsically linked concept of time, place and space refers to the absolute or relative position of people, objects and ideas. Time, place and space focuses on how we construct and use our understanding of location (“where” and “when”). Time is not simply the measurement of years or time periods but is a continuum of significant events of the past, present and future. Place and space are complex concepts, the definitions of which are fluid. Place is socially constructed and can be explored in terms of constraints and opportunities afforded by location. Space relates to where and why places and landscapes are located.
related concepts
Civilisation - Civilization is a concept used to describe forms of social organization that are usually large, complex and have achieved a certain level of urbanization and cultural development. To become a civilization, a society usually undergoes a series of change processes, which lead to social development and organization in the society. Even though the concept of civilization was originally associated with a greater degree of advancement or development of a social organization, this relationship has been questioned by some historians for containing an overt value judgment.
Culture - Culture helps shape, define and guide civilisations and individuals and it influences the relationship between them and the environment. Cultures are constituted by learned behaviours and values shared by groups and transmitted through socialisation. Geographers study cultural traits of places in terms of language, customs, beliefs, dress, images, music, food and technology. |
1. What are ancient civilisations?
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This first lesson begins the inquiry by defining civilisations before moving on to examine why, when, and where they emerged. Students then work in groups to research the unique features and achievements of Mesopotamian civilisation.
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2. How and why do civilisations rise and fall?
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For most of human history, the rise and fall of civilisations is almost as natural as the seasons. But why is this? This lesson examines the factors that account for the expansion of empires, as well as the factors that explain why civilisations ultimately collapse.
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3. How successful were the Greeks?
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The cultural achievements of the Ancient Greeks form the bedrock of Western civilisation today. From drama to philosophy to history itself, Greek culture, knowledge, and science made more dramatic leaps than any other civilisation. Why was it so successful?
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4. How successful were the Chinese?
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In terms of longevity, Chinese civilisation has no rivals. Ending as recently as 1912, dynasties representing Chinese culture have ruled for over five thousand years. This lesson seeks to understand the reasons behind China's unique achievements.
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5. How successful were the Aztecs?
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The Mesoamerican Aztec culture was a relatively late arrival on the civilisation scene. Emerging after 1300 A.D., this civilisation is remembered for the brutality of its human sacrifices. But Aztec culture is intriguingly more complex than this.
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6. Assessment: Ancient civilisations presentation
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All ancient civilisations have common characteristics that can be identified and studied. This assessment asks students to do just that. Choosing their own civilisation to research, students have to produce a audio-visual presentation of their findings.
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7. Reflection: What is the legacy of civilisations?
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The sands of time constantly shift yet history doesn't always change completely. Even today, the remnants of ancient civilisations are all around us. This lesson gives students a chance to reflect on the cultural legacies that civilisations confront us with.
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