Social Studies End of Year Assessment:
Reflection of Ancient Civilizations
7 Characteristics through Primary Sources
Project Summary: Each student will reflect on the many ancient
civilizations that we have learned over the course of the year. Though each
civilization has its’ own significance, you will be choosing which civilization
contributed the most to our world. In addition, you will be applying the
“Seven Characterizations of Civilization” to one civilization you have already
studied by analyzing primary sources.
Step 1: Pick an ancient civilization that we have studied, see the list below,
that you would like to analyze further.
*Hint: You should start looking for primary sources at this step to
make sure you can find some.
5 Ancient Civilizations- Mesopotamian Region
Egypt
India
China
Greek
Rome
Middle Ages
Step 2: Find three primary sources that correspond to three different
characteristics of civilization. There should be at least one written and one
visual primary source.
7 Characteristics - pick three
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Social Classes/Specialized Jobs
Government
Religion
Art and Architecture
Writing
Technology
Economy
Step 3: Do a SOAPStone analysis for each source. Write at least 3-4
sentences per source explaining a) what the source is and b) how it relates
to a characteristic of civilization.
Step 4: Analyze the data from the primary sources, as well as your
notes and compose a 2-3 paragraph overview of your civilization,
including when and where it existed, why it was important, and what it is
remembered for. Incorporate your primary sources as evidence.
First paragraph needs the following:
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Hook
When, Where information
Claim- _________civilization contributed the most to ancient
development for three reasons.
Two Reasons are out of the 3 characteristics you picked.
Second Paragraph








Topic sentenceFirst reason
Text Evidence
Elaborate
Second reason
Text Evidence
Elaborate
Conclusion- 1 or 2 sentences or writer’s decision conclusion
can be a third paragraph.
Additional Information:
Assessment is out of 50 points.
Due June 15-June 16th- If you turn in June 12th you will get (+1)
bonus point)
*If you choose, you can also analyze an additional primary source (bringing
the total to five); this can count for up to 5 bonus points
Resources: - See Ms. Engelberth’s website page for links
There will be several books in the back of the classroom that may prove
useful as you search for information about your civilization. You can also
look in your local library system for books about your particular area of the
world.
As far as online resources, Facts on File is an excellent place to look
because you can specifically search for primary sources.
The Fordham Internet Medieval Sourcebook has a very extensive collection
of primary sources online: http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook.asp
Online museums are also a great resource. Here are a few recommendations
to help you get started:
Met Museum and Cloisters
Timeline of Art: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/
Freer/Sackler: Smithsonian Museum of Asian art: http://www.asia.si.edu/
Chinese collection: http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/chinese.asp
The Hermitage
The Louvre