Journal Assignment: The Greek World

Why do people from the West trace their civilization origins back to the Ancient Greeks?
You have, hopefully, been reading about the ancient Greek city-states. What is it about their society, morals, values, religion, politics, economy, etc. that we consider the foundations of our own world.

Answer in 2-3 paragraphs.
For centuries, people have considered Ancient Greek civilization the epitome of classicism. The Ancient Greeks developed many things that our society is based on, including mathematic principles, astronomy, philosophy, democracy, arts and culture, and much more.

The Greek government system of democracy provided the template for equality in the legal sense, freedom, and governance by the people. Juries by peers is an integral part of today’s legal system. Philosophy based on logic influences philosophical reasoning and law today. Doctors of today must abide by the Ancient Greek’s Hippocratic oath. Geometry, including the Pythagorean theory, continue to provide the basis for math today. And while the ancient Greek economy was based mainly on imports, it showed how important trade and commerce is to building and maintaining a country’s economy.

Ancient Greek art and sports have provided entertainment even today. Theater, especially drama, has influenced how theater and film and TV are written today. Stories about Greek mythology are a part of Western civilization. Ancient Greek words are used in the English language today. Women today still wear dresses based on Greek fashion using the Greek goddess pattern. Greek architecture inspires architecture today. Greek sports, including the marathon, has maintained a great part of today’s athletes and competitions. The Greek Olympics has developed into the Olympics of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Week 2 Reading Questions
Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Each answer should be roughly two paragraphs. Use examples and/or quotes from the textbook to support your answers.

Individual Assessment: Identify a historical thinking standard wher...