Origins of Civilization

Unit 1 – Early Civilizations: An Introduction

Unit 2 – Neolithic Revolution: Agriculture's Dawn

Unit 3 – Social Complexity & Stratification Emerge

Unit 4 – Mesopotamia: Birthplace of Civilization

Unit 5 – Egypt: Gift of the Nile

Unit 6 – Indus Valley: Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro

Unit 7 – Early Chinese Dynasties: Xia to Zhou

Unit 8 – Olmec and Maya: Mesoamerican Civilizations

Unit 9 – Andean Civilizations: Chavín and Moche

Unit 10 – Religion and Ideology in Early Civilizations

Unit 11 – Trade and Cultural Exchange

Unit 12 – Early Civilizations: Rise and Fall

Unit 13 – Early Civilizations: Compare and Contrast

Unit 14 – Early Civilizations' Modern Legacy

## What do you learn in Origins of Civilization

Origins of Civilization digs into the roots of human societies, exploring how we went from hunter-gatherers to complex civilizations. You'll study early human evolution, the development of agriculture, the rise of cities, and the emergence of writing systems. The course covers major ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, examining their social structures, belief systems, and technological advancements.

## Is Origins of Civilization hard?

Origins of Civilization isn't a walk in the park, but it's not a nightmare either. The course covers a lot of ground, spanning thousands of years and multiple civilizations, so there's a fair amount of information to absorb. The trickiest part is often keeping track of different time periods and cultures. But if you're into history and human societies, you'll probably find it pretty engaging and not too overwhelming.

## Tips for taking Origins of Civilization in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create timelines to visualize the chronology of different civilizations
3. Focus on understanding key concepts like domestication, urbanization, and social stratification
4. Use mnemonic devices to remember important archaeological sites and their features
5. Watch documentaries like "Guns, Germs, and Steel" for a broader perspective
6. Engage in class discussions – they often help clarify complex ideas
7. Read primary sources when available, like excerpts from ancient texts
8. Make connections between different civilizations and their development patterns

## Common pre-requisites for Origins of Civilization

1. Introduction to Anthropology: This course provides a broad overview of the four subfields of anthropology. It introduces key concepts and methods used in studying human cultures and societies.

2. World History Survey: This class offers a sweeping look at major historical events and developments across the globe. It provides context for understanding the rise and fall of various civilizations.

## Classes similar to Origins of Civilization

1. Archaeology of Ancient Civilizations: Focuses on the material remains of early societies. You'll learn about excavation techniques and how archaeologists interpret artifacts to understand past cultures.

2. Cultural Anthropology: Examines contemporary human cultures and societies. It explores topics like kinship, religion, and social organization in various cultural contexts.

3. Ancient World History: Covers the development of human societies from prehistory to the Middle Ages. It often includes a broader geographical scope than Origins of Civilization.

4. Anthropology of Religion: Investigates the role of religion in human societies. It explores how belief systems shape cultures and influence social structures.

## Majors related to Origins of Civilization

1. Anthropology: Studies human cultures, societies, and evolution across time and space. Anthropology majors learn to analyze human behavior from biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological perspectives.

2. Archaeology: Focuses on uncovering and interpreting material remains of past human societies. Archaeology majors develop skills in fieldwork, artifact analysis, and understanding cultural change over time.

3. History: Examines past events, societies, and cultures to understand how they've shaped the present. History majors learn to analyze primary sources, interpret historical narratives, and develop critical thinking skills.

4. Classics: Concentrates on the languages, literature, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Classics majors study these civilizations' lasting impact on Western culture and thought.

## What can you do with a degree in Origins of Civilization?

1. Archaeologist: Excavates and analyzes material remains of past human societies. Archaeologists work in field sites, museums, and research institutions to uncover and interpret human history.

2. Museum Curator: Manages and interprets collections of artifacts and artworks. Curators organize exhibitions, conduct research, and educate the public about historical and cultural objects.

3. Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves historical and archaeological sites. They work with government agencies and private organizations to ensure compliance with preservation laws and regulations.

4. Anthropologist: Studies human cultures and societies, both past and present. Anthropologists conduct fieldwork, analyze data, and contribute to our understanding of human diversity and behavior.

## Origins of Civilization FAQs

1. How much reading is involved in this course? Expect a fair amount of reading, including textbook chapters and primary sources. The reading load varies by professor, but it's typically manageable if you stay on top of it.

2. Are there any field trips or hands-on components? Some professors incorporate museum visits or artifact handling sessions. These experiences can really bring the ancient civilizations to life.

3. How does this course relate to current events? Understanding the origins of civilization can provide insight into modern social structures and global issues. You'll often find surprising connections between ancient and contemporary societies.

Anthropology

Ancient Studies

1.1 Defining civilization and its key characteristics

1.2 Archaeological and historical methods in studying early civilizations

1.3 Theories of state formation and societal complexity

1.4 Chronology and geography of early civilizations

2.1 Transition from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies

2.3 Technological innovations of the Neolithic period

2.4 Social and economic impacts of agriculture

2.2 Domestication of plants and animals

3.2 Origins of political and economic institutions

3.3 Urbanization and the rise of cities

3.1 Development of social hierarchies and specialized roles

4.1 Geography and environment of the Fertile Crescent

4.2 Sumerian city-states and their political structures

4.3 Mesopotamian writing systems and literature

4.4 Babylonian and Assyrian empires

5.1 Nile River Valley geography and its influence on Egyptian civilization

5.2 Pharaonic rule and dynastic periods

5.3 Egyptian religion, art, and monumental architecture

5.4 Social structure and daily life in ancient Egypt

6.1 Urban planning and architecture in Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro

6.2 Indus Valley economy and trade networks

6.3 Indus script and the challenges of decipherment

7.1 Origins of Chinese civilization and the Xia dynasty

7.2 Shang dynasty: Bronze Age culture and oracle bone script

7.3 Zhou dynasty: Mandate of Heaven and feudal system

7.4 Philosophical traditions: Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism

8.3 Maya achievements in astronomy, mathematics, and writing

8.1 Olmec civilization: Art, religion, and cultural influence

8.2 Maya city-states and political organization

9.1 Chavín culture and its pan-Andean influence

9.2 Moche society, art, and religious practices

9.3 Andean agricultural techniques and environmental adaptation

10.4 Relationship between religion and political power

10.1 Religious beliefs and practices in early civilizations

10.2 Priestly classes and religious institutions

10.3 Mythology, cosmology, and creation stories

11.1 Long-distance trade networks and their impact on civilizations

11.2 Cultural diffusion and technological exchange

11.3 The role of writing and record-keeping in trade and administration

12.3 Warfare, conquest, and imperial expansion

12.4 Collapse and transformation of early civilizations

12.2 Environmental challenges and resource management

12.1 Factors contributing to the growth and expansion of civilizations

13.1 Commonalities and differences in political structures

13.2 Economic systems and technological innovations

13.3 Social organization and cultural practices

13.4 Artistic and architectural achievements

14.1 Enduring cultural and technological contributions

14.2 Influence on modern political and legal systems

14.3 Contemporary relevance of early civilizations' achievements

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