answered: You will be discussing the essential characteristics of “civ

  

You will be discussing the essential characteristics of “civilization” with your classmates.
Begin by looking over the example definitions of civilization. Consider the following questions: “What do they have in common?” “Where do they disagree?
Then look over the following characteristics of civilization, alluded to in the chapter. Note: These are intentionally broad to provide space for interpretation and debate:
Large population centers, or urban areas.
Monumental architecture and unique art styles.
Shared communication strategies, such as systems of writing.
Systems for administering territories..
A complex division of labor.
The division of people into social and economic classes,
Review the above list and develop your own working definition of “civilization.” State your claim (your definition) and identify support for your argument using examples of the above characteristics from your chapter readings on elements that marked societies that emerged between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Mesopotamia, along the Nile in Egypt, in the Indus Valley, and along the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers in China during this time period as more urban, developed, and culturally distinct than previous communities (i.e., as “civilizations”).
Then Respond to your peers by asking a question related to their claim. What isn’t explained in their definition/argument. Do not simply agree or disagree with your classmate’s claims. Instead think of some other questions you might want to ask about their claim? Can you think of what might be true? What may not be true? Thoughtful questions that challenge the plausibility of a claim often lead to a deeper understanding.