Ancient Civilization Project – Stage 1: Proposal (due end of Week 2)
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Instructions
Stage 1: Topic Proposal
There are two options for this Ancient Civilization Project.
**** Research into an ancient civilization or site significant for world prehistory.***
Carefully read the project description for the ancient history project in your syllabus. The topic you choose must first be approved by your instructor as there may be classmates who want to do the same project. Should this happen, you may be asked to discuss with these classmates how you will approach the topic differently from each other.
Important! Do not start your research until you receive approval from your instructor.
ANCIENT CIVILIZATION PROJECT (18% of total course grade. The completed, final version of the project is due the end of Week Six.)
The Ancient Civilization Project supports the following ANTH 345 Course Outcomes:
explain the methods and theories archaeologists use to survey, excavate, analyze, and interpret material evidence to gain insight into the human past, present, and future
analyze prehistoric cultural patterns on local and global levels in order to relate these patterns to contemporary societies and populations
analyze prehistoric patterns of human subsistence and environmental interaction to identify consequences and their relevance to current environmental and health challenges
There are two options for this Project:
OPTION B: Research into an ancient civilization or site significant for world prehistory.
OPTION B: ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
For this option you will select an ancient civilization or site that is significant for world history or prehistory. You will research the subsistence strategies of that civilization and its environmental interactions researching also diet, health, and technology of the civilization.
You may choose from the following list (or propose and receive permission to research another group/site.)
Ancient Civilization Groups/Sites
– Natufians (Middle East)
– Sumer (Mesopotamia)
– Ancient Egypt
– Indus River Valley
– Shang (China)
– Mesoamerica
– Cahokia (North America)
– Andean South America
– Great Zimbabwe
– Aksum
– Catal Hoyuk
CONTENT GUIDELINES FOR OPTIONS B
Your paper should address the following:
1) Describe the geography where this group is located. Include the following:
– Climate
– Topography
– Water ways
– Identify modern-day country
2) Describe specific archaeological sites which tell us about your group
– Name and Location
– When excavated and by whom
– Significant features
3) Explain original reason for settlement (advantages) and the reasons for growth
4) Describe the culture:
a. Subsistence base: how did people support themselves?
b. Political organization: how did people govern themselves?
c. Social Structure: what do we know about people were organized?
d. Contacts with others: with whom did they trade; fight; network with?
5) Explain what happened to the group.
Analyze the reason for the decline, disappearance, or continued existence.
6) Draw comparisons to our own modern-day situation.
