Sorry for my late response I was on vacation.

a. To flourish a civilization must have a sense of leadership or government as well as a way to communicate to keep their form of government strong. A civilization must also have a common set of beliefs, religion is the most common for this. Resources to provide shelter, food, and clothing in order to function to its fullest potential is another important part of civilization.

b. The western model of civilization must possess the means of government and communication as well, only in a more progressive state. Christianity is the common ground for western society and influenced laws to govern the people that make up society. The resources have to be within grasp for the cities to thrive.

c. The western model of civilization as well as the non-western models of civilization both need a form of government, common ground, and resources. All civilizations need these elements to thrive, let alone thrive. The role of Christianity differed in the non-western model because it did not have as large of impact on laws.

d. The differences between these two models is the western model focuses on advancing all of these aspects of civilization. The non-western model focuses on advancing one of these aspects as to thrive in one area of expertise.

e. The problem with using “civilization” as a defining term is the definition. People studying world history may lose sight of the very meaning of the word, making it hard use as an organizing principle.

2. I think the progression of mankind is interesting to look at.

3. “Mountains Beyond Mountains”

Sorry about the late (and long) reply.

a. A civilization, at a basic level, must have division of labor, a standardized system that enables things to travel (e.g., language, roads), a relatively stable form of government, and resources that will be reliable throughout a long span of time.

b. and c. and d.
Typically a western model of civilization involves some form of Christianity, a centralized government, ‘advanced’ technology, possession of large territories, a powerful standing army, and recently a consideration for individual rights. But there are two things to consider. The first is that these are not unique to western civilization. China values territory and military might as well. The second is that these aren’t things that a civilization “must possess to flourish.” Western and non-western societies don’t differ at a fundamental level. They have the same needs – of course they do, because those needs are basic and human. Differences between the two models only show up in the more complex developments of civilization, like society and politics and religion. For instance, India has Hinduism, Poland has Catholicism. But again, these aren’t needs. They aren’t necessary to civilization. They’re just differences. And at this level, the categories ‘western’ and ‘non-western’ are too simple, because, among other reasons, western countries don’t have a single form of politics, and non-western countries don’t have a single religion.

To summarize, there is no fundamental difference. The differences occur at a level where the terms ‘western’ and ‘non-western’ do not suffice.

e. The word civilization indicates, to many people, a separation between the primitive and the advanced. It mandates hierarchy. Its definition often includes the word ‘complex’, and this combined with its positive connotation suggests that a more complicated society is better. It also is a subjective word defined using subjective words, which means that people can manipulate to apply whatever they want and thereby use it as a tool to exclude or include other cultures.

Assignment #1:

1. A civilization must possess a sense of establishment in their government, economy, technology, or communication. Civilizations may not have every attribute, but they must have most to survive as a large society.

2. The western ideology of civilization is a society with every attribute being advanced. A civilization needs advanced government and technology and large cities. The western model focuses on ethnocentrism to judge whether a society is a civilization or not.

3. The non-western model focuses on separate advancements. Some societies may have advanced politics and government, but no established religion. Others may have the ability to discover and create, but do not have advanced technology.

4. The differences of these two models is that the western idea of civilization must display a form of advancement in all attributes of the society. The non-western model focuses on certain and specific points in a society’s achievement.

5. The issues with using civilizations as the grouping principle is that some other societies have achieved great aspects of survival that have contributed to World History, such as nomadic groups. Nomadic groups were very creative in technology and trade and had a strong defense system.

2. I like studying anything that illuminates human nature. Then I apply it and use it to over-analyze people.

3. I haven’t liked most of the books I’ve read recently. “The Devil in the White City” was great, though.

2. My favorite part of studying history is determining patterns that emerge between otherwise very distinct cultures and civilizations.

3. Probably “Galapagos” by Kurt Vonnegut

2. My favorite part of studying history is looking at the change through history and why it happened the way it did.

3. “The Great Gatsby” or “Hamlet”.