1. Walsingham Academy Mrs. McArthur Room 111
History of the Ancient and Medieval World Synthesis: Mesopotamia and Egypt
Walsingham Academy
Mrs. McArthur
Room 111

2. No homework this weekend!*
But there’s hope…
No homework this weekend!*
Instead, come to the dance.
(It’s sponsored by your class!)

3. Week 5: In-Class Overview
Mon.
Egypt: Synthesis
Tues.
Quest Preparation
Wed./
Thurs
Quest
Bring colored pencils
Fri.
Roots of Judaism
* In order to have a homework-less weekend, we have to be organized and diligent. There will be additional time, some days, to work independently. To use this time wisely, you are expected to have every class period your text, notebook and study/work materials.

4. Bring Text to Class Every Day Bring colored pencils to quest
Assignment (for week 6)
Bring Text to Class Every Day
Bring colored pencils to quest
Because of our quest and our schedule adjustments, the following assignment is due Friday:
Read text, pp
Complete Note Taking Study Guide worksheet.
Answer 3 Checkpoint questions.
Complete 2 Thinking Critically, pp 61.
Define 12 blue, highlighted words.

5. Identifying Supporting Details
Reading Skill:
Identifying Supporting Details
Test Yourself

6. Early Civilizations Test
30 Points Total
Format includes:
10 Multiple Choice (10 Points)
1 Essay (15 Points)
1 Drawing (5 Points)

7. Preparing For Tests
Organize your lecture notes, PowerPoint Presentations, readings and Virtual Field Trip notes.
Rehearse out loud every day.
Participate in note taking and class discussion.
Ask questions based on personal preparations.
Anticipate questions by forms indicated. Use Study Aids.
Use the buddy system.
Observe deadlines.

8. When you write a history essay:
Brainstorm and then organize logically the key ideas, which you feel address question:
Explain and relate to other ideas (analysis-why important)
Support by facts (what happened?)
and
Provide evidence (How do we prove it?)

9. Question: What was the role of geography in Mesopotamia’s cultural development?
Sample Answer (condensed):
Mesopotamia’s geography, dominated by the violent and unpredictable flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, promoted a pessimistic, even fatalistic outlook toward life. Mesopotamia’s literature, for example, the Epic of Gilgamesh, supports this view. In this epic poem, we see the fearsome effects of a terrible flood and finally we see nature (snake) triumphing over man.

10. Topic Sentences
Geography played a big role in the development of Mesopotamia’s culture. (C)
Geography had both positive and negative effects on Mesopotamia’s cultural development. (B)
Although there were some positive benefits, Mesopotamia’s geography, on balance, had a negative impact on the Fertile Crescent’s cultural and historical development. (A)

11. Comparing and Contrasting: Civilizations
Similarities, differences and proofs
(how we know)
Geography
Cities
Organized Religion
Central Governments
Specialization of Labor
Social Classes
Public works (roads, etc.) + monuments*
Fine Arts (art, architecture)*
Literacy (writing)
Specifically Consider: What do they tell us?
*Epic of Gilgamesh
*Pyramids

12. Roots of Judaism “The One God of Judaism”
What key point does God make in this selection?
How is this idea different from the religions of other early cultures in the Fertile Crescent?
Under Construction: More Detail Later