1. Homework G-9 due Thursday Test on Ancient Greece Monday. Review sheet also due Monday.

2. Thematic Essay Feedback Try to make your thesis as specific as possible:  Regents level thesis: There were many similarities and differences between Mesopotamia and Egypt. These civilizations had many accomplishments that continue to shape our world today.  Honors / AP level thesis: Mesopotamia and Egypt were similar in their reliance on rivers and the writing systems they developed, but different in their forms of government and the way they viewed the gods. These civilizations had achievements in technology, architecture and mathematics that continue to influence our world today.

3. Thematic Essay Feedback Make sure you are actually making a comparison and not just listing information:  Weak comparison: Egypt’s government was ruled by pharaohs who were viewed as gods. China’s government was ruled by emperors who got their power from the Mandate of Heaven.  Strong comparison: In both Egypt and China, there was a connection between government and religion. In Egypt, the pharaoh was believed to be the son of Ra, the sun god, while in China it was believed that emperors needed the permission of the gods (called the Mandate of Heaven) to rule. However, the Egyptians actually viewed the pharaohs as gods themselves, while the Chinese believed that their rulers were mortals who carried out the will of the gods.

4. Aim #10: What were the characteristics of Greek theater? December 15, 2015

5. I. Theater → Drama as we know it is invented by the Greeks! A. Plays were presented in outdoor theaters as part of religious festivals. B. Simple: No sets, three male actors in masks, male chorus for narration.

6. I. Theater C. Tragedy: Plays meant to evoke pity or fear: 1. Tragic hero 2. Hero is often brought down by hubris D. Main tragic playwrights: Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides *Sophocles wrote Oedipus Rex

7. I. Theater E. Comedy 1. Comedic playwrights like Aristophanes wrote social/political satire (plays that use humor or irony to comment on issues and problems in government or society.