Rise+and+Fall+of+Empires

Summary
500 B.C.E – 500 C.E. is frequently referred to as the “classical era” of world history, a term that highlights enduring traditions that have lasted into modern times and persist still in the twenty-first century. Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Christianity all took shape during this era of second-wave civilizations, and all of them remain very much alive at the dawn of the third millennium C.E. Despite the many and profound transformations of modernity, billions of people in the contemporary world still guide their lives, or at least claim to, according to teachings that first appeared 2,000 or more years ago.

This time period highlights the rise of the individual and the foundation of current identities of entire countries and regions.

Essential Questions (500 B.C.E.-500 C.E.)

 * 1) To what extent is history determined by individuals as opposed to circumstance?
 * 2) To what extent does a civilization need to “conquer” to flourish?
 * 3) What can we learn from the rise and fall of empires?
 * 4) (What is an empire? What are the conditions that lead to an empire? How is an empire different from civilization?)

Enduring Understandings

 * There are specific elements of empires that differ from city-states and the first civilizations.
 * Enduring traditions exist from these empires (such as the five major religions of the world, gender and class hierarchy) (value). Becky
 * Individuals within a specific social context greatly impact history (such as Ashoka and Alexander the Great). Adams
 * There are common features to the rise and fall of empires (such as dynastic cycle) (Value) Bob

Skills
Analytical paragraph Document Analysis Outline Five paragraph essay

= Day 1: What is an empire? = There are specific elements of empires that differ from city-states and the first civilizations.
 * Daily Activities: **
 * Enduring Understanding: **


 * Share your ideas..... **

Prepare to answer the homework questions, as well (they are below the video) media type="youtube" key="_Vvc7Fa1kyI" width="560" height="315" OR media type="youtube" key="524NsuNR-l0" width="560" height="315"
 * Activity 1: Watch ONE of the videos below (you may not finish it in class)**


 * Homework: Answer the following questions in quicktime audio (unless you discussed in class) and save them in your shared WH folder: (use the video AND pp109-113 to guide your response)**
 * 1. What is different/similar between river valley civilizations and Alexander's empire?**
 * 2. To what extent is history determined by individuals (Alexander the Great)? **
 * 3. To what extent does a civilization need to “conquer” to flourish? **

Optional: Review "civilizations" and look at a different story:

media type="youtube" key="wyzi9GNZFMU" width="560" height="315"

= Day 2: What is an empire? =

Enduring Understanding: There are specific elements of empires that differ from city-states and the first civilizations.

Activity 1: Read pages 117-119
Now Find evidence (on the internet) that proves to what extent the U.S. is currently an empire.

Discuss.

Activity 2: Why aren’t River Valley civilizations empires? So why did empires develop?

Discuss

__Introduce Modified Debate Why Is Your Empire Superior?__ (Assign Empires) Now based on your criteria for empires…... You will gather information to demonstrate why your empire is superior to others. Empires: (500 BCE-500 CE)
 * Persian
 * Hellenistic Greece (Alexander’s Empire)
 * Rome
 * China (Qin, Han) - 3 people
 * India (Maurya, Gupta) - 3 people (you will need to use other resources)

HW: Read your content within pp:119-144 and answer the following questions about your assigned empire: (You must use specific examples)

Answer these clarifying questions to help provide evidence for your argument:
 * In what ways was your empire militarily great?
 * In what ways did the citizens benefit from being a part of the empire?
 * What kind of infrastructure improvements were made by the empire?
 * How did the geography of your empire support the rise of your empire?

The evidence will be used in a debate so be sure that you can use the evidence to persuade. Keep track of page numbers where you found information so you can cite it in a debate format. You will need to prove that your empire is politically superior to the others. Look for what you think are really positive aspects of your empire.

= Day 3: Time to research in class for the modified debate. = = = Introduce Modified Debate: = = Topic: My empire is politically superior for the following reasons……….. = =

Now look for evidence to challenge the superiority of the other empires. Use these clarifying questions to help provide evidence for your argument against the superiority of other empires: = = = =
 * Look for militarily comparisons and weaknesses?
 * Look for ways in which citizens faced challenges on other empires
 * What was the downside to infrastructure construction?
 * In what ways has geography challenged the success of other civilizations?

= =

= =

= = = = Color code the locations of each of the 4 Empires on the [|__maps you are given__] : = =  1 map for India, China and Persia = =  1 map for Greece under Alexander = =  1 map for Rome = =  Include date when they are at their biggest = =
 * Activity two: ** How did geography impact your Empire?

= = Include a few geographic features (such as mountains, mines, rivers, oceans, deserts, seas) for your assigned empire. Be prepared to discuss how they impacted your Empire. = =

= = Homework: Finish your maps and collect evidence to challenge other civilizations superiority = =

= Day 4: Modified Debate =

Which Empire is Superior?

**Activity 1:** You will have 20 minutes to prepare with your group.

Order for each group (one at a time):


 * 1) Group presents their information to prove that their empire is superior . Each member must speak. (2-4 minutes)
 * 2) Individuals may ask questions to challenge the superiority of the empire (5-8 minutes)
 * 3) Final argument (this is not prepared in advance). You must demonstrate a response to the questions that have been posed.

Notesheet: You must take notes on the other empires as you listen to the debate. This is part of your formative grade. Be sure to note the following concepts for each empire: [|You may use this form to help you (shared in drive)]
 * military organization: strengths and weaknesses
 * In what ways did the citizens benefit from being a part of the empire?
 * Infrastructure: strengths and weaknesses
 * How did the geography of your empire support the rise of your empire?

[|Debate Rubric]

= Day 5: Individuals vs. Circumstance =

(Note: finish modified debate if necessary)

**Do Now:** What role does an individual leader play in the success of an empire?

EQ: To what extent is history determined by individuals as opposed to circumstance? EU: Individuals within a specific social context greatly impact history (such as Ashoka and Alexander the Great).

What social/cultural/political forces help leaders to be successful? Example: Think of great individual. Identify the social/cultural/political forces that existed during the time of this great person. How did these external forces allow for this individual to achieve greatness? What contribution did the individual make?

Example of event: Why was Obama elected in 2008?
 * 1)  Watch the first 2 minutes of [|__Obama’s acceptance speech__] : media type="youtube" key="LEo7lzfpdCU" width="560" height="315"

[|Use thisMethod for studying historical causation] to help you look for evidence. > > HOMEWORK: > > To what extent are your emperors responsible for the success of your Empire. Use the Method for Causation to collect evidence for : > Ashoka > Alexander > Darius > Qin Shi Huandi > Julius Caesar
 * Did Technology help or hinder his success?
 * Were there any new ideas that stimulated loyalty of a considerable number of people?
 * Was there a background of agitation (conflict)?
 * Was geography a factor?
 * How were economic factors important?
 * Where religious forces active?
 * Where there personalities whose strengths or weaknesses that helped determine the outcome?
 * Were there immediate causes for the event?
 * Can events be explained by strengthened or weakened institutions (this could be empires, nations,schools)?

= Day 6 =

What was the social situation when your emperor came to power? How did your emperor use that situation to achieve success? In what ways did your emperors individual talents allow him to achieve success?
 * 1) Intro: Informal Discussion:

10 minute prep and then share your ideas.

>  > OPVL [|__PPT__] > [|__OPVL handout__] (you may reference this if you need examples) > potent ideas, > [|__Alexander the Great__] Notes and other resources: [|__Alexander the Great__] (Our version: Extra docs if we need it with background essay: too easy for high school students) How great was Alexander the Great? > > * Bring headphones to class > >
 * 1) Review Lesson on Origin, Purpose, Value and Limitation of historical sources
 * Do OPVL for Alexander the Great Document B in class
 * **Homework:** answer document analysis questions for all documents and include an OPVL for one of the documents
 * **Homework:** answer document analysis questions for all documents and include an OPVL for one of the documents

= Day 7: Individuals and OPVL cont. =

How could you use OPVL to evaluate this source?
 * 1. Story time!** Alexander the Great kids book

2. Another example: [|Malala just won the Nobel Peace Prize] Would she have done such exceptional things if she didn't grow up in the Swat Valley? media type="youtube" key="gjGL6YY6oMs" width="560" height="315"


 * Another Example: Emma Watson:** "He for She" message to the UN. Was this the first time these ideas were expressed? Why have they been received differently when delivered by Emma?

If you haven't seen it: media type="youtube" key="j-xqeTvD3as" width="560" height="315"

[|Some reactions that point out that she is not the first one to try to spread these ideas]

[|Why do you think Emma Watson was named the Women Goodwill Ambassador?]

Another view from the NY Post: [|"Emma Watson has the Wrong Idea About Feminism"]


 * Activity 3: Find your own modern example of a person who has impacted history that has/hasn't been a product of the society they are a part of. Prepare to share with the class.**


 * HW: NONE! :)**

= Day 8: =
 * 1) Write a paragraph source evaluation about the source given to you. (See example on P.2 of the link below)

[|OVPL Paragraph Assignment and Rubric (Christianity)]

[|__rubric middle high__]

[|Example Paragraph from Alexander the Great DBQ Source D]

**HW:** Answer the following in your notes: To what extent did class/caste/hierarchy play a role in the empire you presented on? You must cite specific examples. Use the Textbook Reading: pp 217-228 give as hw before this class (Note: Persia information is earlier in the book)

= Day 9: Intro to class and caste =

1. Where do ideas of class/caste hierarchy come from? Why have class hierarchies persisted throughout history in many societies?

2. Informal Class discussion about homework questions: To what extent did class/caste/hierarchy play a role in the empire you presented on. You must cite specific examples.

3. Start Video we will finish next class As you watch take notes to help you prepare for a 5 paragraph essay: 4. Using an example from today AND your early empire be prepared to write a 5 paragraph essay about the following:


 * New Question : To what extent do we see evidence of hierarchy and social class in all societies (past and present)? Why? **

YOU MUST HAVE THESE RESPONSES IN YOUR NOTES TO HELP WRITE A 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY.

[|__Does caste still exist in India__]

//India Untouched//

= Day 10: Finish video =

==

== = Day 11 =


 * Do Now: India Untouched: ** What are your thoughts about what you saw in the film?

Why has has the caste tradition endured?What function does caste serve in society? Is it possible to escape caste in India today?

After watching the movie, you may think that India is a terrible place where some people are treated horribly. But, in reality, class and caste division is not only seen on the subcontinent. Think of some examples of how hierarchy, class, and caste are practiced in other places. -Where do ideas of class/caste come from -Why do they persist throughout history -Is it possible to make society more equal

Discuss now: Is there social mobility in America? Is it easier to rise and fall in social status in India or America?
 * Activity 2: The American Dream **

The American Dream….. [|Washington Post Article about how poor kids who work hard don't do as well as rich kids who DON'T work hard]

Does the article change your idea of social mobility in America?Is there a class system in the USA and is it getting better or worse? How is different/ similar to India? Does this mean class division innate? Is it human nature to create some sort of social order?
 * Discussion **

We will now be taking our knowledge on class in classical empires, and India and America today to write a formative 5 paragraph essay. You will write an essay to answer the following:
 * Activity 3: Intro 5 paragraph Essay **
 * New Question : To what extent do we see evidence of hierarchy and social class in all societies (past and present)? Why? **

**HOMEWORK**:

To prepare for the essay, collect information on class in the classical empires

How was social hierarchy determined in ancient:


 * India (pages 224-228)
 * Greece (126-29)
 * Persia (120-22)
 * Rome (229-234)
 * China (217-224)

YOU MUST REFERENCE SPECIFIC INFORMATION FROM YOUR TEXTBOOK, THE MOVIE AND OUTSIDE RESOURCES

= Day 12: 5 Paragraph Research Essay: =

__The question:__
 * New Question : To what extent do we see evidence of hierarchy and social class in all societies (past and present)? Why? **

You must include specific evidence from the following to receive full points:
 * 1) Untouchable film
 * 2) Classical empire hierarchy/class facts from the textbook
 * 3) Information about social inequalities in America, from the articles provided
 * 4) at least one piece of information from a reputable source that you found independently

Noodle Tools and research: [|__MindMap__] [|__Blank Template__]

Main Ideas: Focus on: **modern India, 1 ancient civ, U.S. OR other modern country**

People with privilege want to maintain privilege Justified by religion in this life (traditions) Competition for scarce resources Belief that social mobility through hard work (even if it is over multiple lifetimes) System is merit based Maintain social stability/order Traditionally minorities are discriminated against We inherit our status Families
 * Essay possible analysis ideas:**

Today you will gather information and record it using [| __noodle toodles.__]

Instructions:
 * 1) Login to noodle tools using the ID you created with Homebase
 * 2) Make a New Project and title it “Social Hierarchy”
 * 3) Add the Question you will be answering: Why is social hierarchy an enduring tradition?
 * 4) Thesis: Social Hierarchy is an enduring tradition because it meets certain needs such as……..
 * 5) Add the textbook, India Untouched, America article, and any other source info as your resources in the works cited/bibliography section
 * 6) Create a notecard using a quote from the textbook, a movie quote you wrote down, OR the article on the US
 * 7) Now try to add as many notecards as you can based around the different ideas listed above.
 * 8) Once you have created many notecards, you should be able to choose the 3 ideas that you can back up with enough evidence.

How to Organize your essay -You must show your teacher your outline ON NOODLE TOOLS by the end of class next time.

Paragraph one: Your introduction MUST have a thesis that ANSWERS the question. You should have a roadmap to introduce the body paragraph content.

Body paragraph two, three, four: Each body paragraph should start with a sentence showing how social hierarchy is an enduring tradition in a specific society. Give examples of social hierarchy through time and explain what purpose the serves.

Conclusion paragraph 5-Restate your thesis in other words and list how you proved it in the body

Homework: Write ONE body paragraph for your 5 paragraph essay.

= Day 13: Peer Review Of Body Paragraph and time to write 5 paragraph essay =

Share your body paragraph and edit your partners work silently for 10-15 minutes. Be prepared to give them constructive criticism (not just unhelpful praise or rude criticism) on the following:
 * [|Example body paragraph]**


 * How clearly does the first sentence relate to the question and thesis?
 * Do you know what the paragraph will be proving after reading the first sentence?
 * Do they have specific evidence about social hierarchy from the movie, textbook, and articles?
 * Are quotes or paraphrases cited at the end of the sentence?
 * Does the student use [|__transitions__], to connect ideas?
 * Are there any sentences that are off topic (that do not relate to the question/thesis)
 * Are there sentences that do not make sense or do not add any new information
 * Can you suggest places to add new vocabulary, names of people, or specific facts?

Take 10-15 minutes to share your findings

Now work on writing the essay. The teacher will call up individuals to conference while you work.

turn in 5 paragraph essay with MLA works cited page
 * Homework **

= Day 14: 5 Paragraph Essay due AND Chance to Improve =

= Day 15: What factors lead to the collapse of civilization? =

media type="youtube" key="otIU6Py4K_A" width="560" height="315"
 * Intro: Is this the future for the U.S.? **

What led to the collapse of civilization at the Salton Sea? Don't mess with mother nature.....

Group/partner discussion…..
 * Today we will answer these questions: **
 * 1. What factors lead to the collapse of civilization (looking historically and at places TODAY!) **
 * 2. Are WE (India, US, etc) on the road to collapse? **

**Activity 1 First, let's compare the fall of Rome to the modern U.S.**

Read the following with your partner: __**:[| 8 Striking Parallels between the Fall of Rome and the US]**__

And watch the video below comparing the fall of Rome to the US:


 * What indications are there that the U.S. might be headed for a similar fate to Rome?**

media type="youtube" key="lXGGm4GQAq4" width="420" height="315"


 * Answer: According to the article and video, what might be some causes for the collapse of civilization? **


 * Discuss: ** What are your thoughts about the comparison of the causes for the fall of Rome and the US today? Does it lead you to believe the U.S. might "fall"? Are there common patterns that civilizations exhibit before they fall?

Which of the aspects below exists in civilization (of your choice)? How might each of the ideas below contribute to the collapse of civilization?


 * Ideas: **
 * Drastic Inequalities between the rich and poor **
 * Lack of resources/overpopulation **
 * Geography **
 * Government Instability **
 * Wars **

**Activity 2:** Now find evidence from another civilization that has collapsed. Take notes and be prepared to discuss your findings

**Exit Slip:** In your own words answer the following questions for the day either in writing or in a quicktime file to share with the teacher: Which do you think is the **most** significant cause for the collapse of civilization? - Use 2 civilizations from history that have collapsed as a result of this cause to justify your response. - What evidence do you see in a modern civilization that this is a problem today? - What do you think might be done to reduce this problem and thus delay the collapse of civilization?


 * Enduring Understanding: There are common features to the rise and fall of empires

= Day 16-17: Collapse =

**Do Now:** Discuss HW/Review collapse of civ and

Crash Course! media type="youtube" key="QAkW_i0bDpQ" width="560" height="315"

Watch Collapse: 2 Days

After the movie you will participate in a summative Socratic Seminar Socratic Seminar: Using what we have learned from empires that have fallen, How can we prevent the collapse of society? [|__Rubric__]

You must use evidence from Collapse, an early empire, and the readings. Students should take handwritten notes over the reasons for the civilizations presented in the video, collapse. They should make note of the reason for the collapse such as over expansion, disease, drought, political instability, then cite the example illustrated by the video.

While you watch the movie: List the reasons for the collapse with specific examples to support your point. media type="youtube" key="cP_Im795WSI" width="560" height="315"


 * HW: Prepare for Socratic Seminar **

[|__Collapse video__]

Day 18: Socratic Seminar
Socratic Seminar: Using what we have learned from empires that have fallen, How can we prevent the collapse of society? [|Rubric Here]

After: Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown: Libya What happens after the collapse of civilization. Case Study: Libya What does it look like when a civilization starts to rebuild

media type="youtube" key="7duRdLXYn2E" width="560" height="315"

[|Guardian Article: The Truth About Facebook, Twitter and the Uprising of the Arab World]