Social Studies PretestLet’s see where we are with our Social Studies skills

Why Social Studies?

With your table group, please read and answer the questions in the first column of your handout

While watching the video, answer the questions in the second column of your handout

Why study history?

The Seven Characteristics of a Civilization

1. Stable Food Supply2. Social Structure3. System of Government4. Religious System5. Highly Developed Culture6. Advances in Technology7. Written Language

Stable Food Supply A complex society can thrive only if its members

have the food they need to survive Allows for specialization of labor How does this apply to the United States?

Social Structure

A social structure includes different jobs and social levels. People at higher levels have greater status (or importance) than others.

How does this apply to the United States?

System of Government All civilizations have a system of government to

direct peoples’ behavior and make life orderly.

How does this apply to the United States?

Religious System A religious system includes a set of beliefs, usually

in a god or gods, together with forms of worship.

How does this apply to the United States?

Highly Developed Culture All civilizations have a highly developed culture,

including the arts. Arts include creative forms of expression such as painting, architecture, and music.

How does this apply to the United States?

Advances in Technology All civilizations create new forms of technology or

practical tools and inventions.

How does this apply to the United States?

Written Language A final characteristic of civilizations is a highly

developed written language.

How does this apply to the United States?

The US Legacy? Given the characteristics of civilization we just

discussed, what do you think will be the legacy of the United States 2,000 years from now?

For which characteristics will we be remembered?