lesson 1

European/Western Culture

The Art of Reform

Introduction:Reform

The Art of Reform Reform: to put or change into an

improved condition

Reformation: the act of reforming: the state of being reformed

Introduction:Reform

Reform improves a specific and existing form or movement

Form (noun): the shape and structure of something as distinguished from its materials.

Something will be defined in this course as culture.(Art, Politics, Philosophy etc.)

UnderstandingReform

Asking the Right Questions

What: the current way of life, and the reform

When: the time period or date

Where: Location the reform

How: the make up of the reform, what steps where taken to reach the reform.

Why: what drove the idea of reform.

Example of Reform

Mr. Birkbeck coming to ChinaWhat: What: Coming to China to teach

When: for one year, Spring of 2008-Fall 2008

Where: Nejiang Normal University, China

How: talked to Brent and Shannon, they connected me with Jennifer in the foreign language office and I applied and then was offered a position.

Why: Seeking a new experience in another country, while in the states I had a desire to teach

Ancient GreekCulture

Social and Political Structures

Literature and Art

Science and Philosophy

Political Structures

Two important divisions in Greek Politics:

Monarchy(n): undivided rule or absolute sovereignty by a single

person

Democracy(n): government by the people: rule of the majority

Monarchy

Who in Ancient Greece?

Minoans and Mycenaeans

Rulers: Called “Princes”

When: 2,000 B.C.

Controlled: All Politics, and Religion

Polytheistic: worshiped multiple gods

Democracy

Who in Ancient Greece?

Citizens of Athens

People elected officials by voting

Who could vote?

Any freeborn male above the age of 18

Social Structures

Social hierarchy did not link to Political Power.

Classes were based on wealth, but one was not stuck in a certain class, they could move up

People were not judged or treated different based on their social class.

Social Structures

People who had rights: Men, 18 and older, widows, or other women who owned land

Slaves: made up almost 1/3 of the population in most city-states (Including Athens)

Greek Living

Citizens lived in two different places:

Within the city walls

Outside the city walls on farms or small villages

Agora: a public place where people meet: Like a market

Literature

Definition: writings in prose and verse: writings have excellence in form or expression: expressing ideas of permanent or universal interest

Homer: Blind poet, the author of the great Greek Epics: The Iliad, The Odyssey

Next Week

Greek Culture Continued:

Literature: Lyric Poetry, Drama, Comedy

Art

Science and Philosophy

Reading Assignment

Please Read pages 13-26 in your text book