IMAGINING NEW CIVILIZATIONS PROJECT

Throughout the course of the year, you have learned about civilizations around the world during the Medieval Era. You have learned about their Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economics, and Social Structure (GRAPES). You will now use your understanding of GRAPES to dream up a new civilization for today. You will choose what type of geography your nation will have, what their feelings are about religion (and whether or not you have a national religion.) You will decide on what type of government your nation will live under as well as what type of economy/economic system is in place (socialism, capitalism, communism, etc.) and social system (feudalism, caste system, class system, etc.) You will have the opportunity to discuss what achievements your society has made due to the set up and location of your civilization. This should be a civilization YOU would want to live in today and one that demonstrates your understanding of what you have learned this year (e.g. you have learned what does not work, as proven through history, so you wouldnt choose those models/structures.) You will work with your group to create a three-dimensional representation of your New World using a variety of materials and mediums, as well as a written and verbal presentation. Each member of your group will be assigned a role and will be responsible to the group as well as for their individual task. Each student in the group will work independently on their own paper and artifact for the groups model. The project is worth 60 points.
10 points: Research and planning worksheets (2 at 2 pts. each, and 1 at 6 points) 20 points: Individual paper 10 points: Individual artifact 10 points: Group grade for cooperation (decision-making, completion of model and Mission Statement) 10 Points: Group final product (quality of model, Mission Statement, and presentation folder) 60 Points Total

CRITERIA:

Your project of the new civilization must include: A guiding philosophy/mission statement that includes your nations philosophy on basic rights (kind of like the US Bill of Rights.) A detailed written description of each of the following components of your civilization:
o o o o o o Geography Religion Achievements Political Structure Economy Social Structure

Each component described must be referenced and supported with examples from your textbook, notes, and/or videos and discussions. A three-dimensional physical model of your world, including an artifact for each component of your world. A verbal presentation of your new world. Each group member will be required to share presentation responsibilities equally.

What will it look like?

1) A 3-D model of your civilization, including artifacts and natural resources that correspond with your written description. 2) A museum-style placard with our civilizations mission statement attached to model 3) A presentation folder with full written descriptions of GRAPES topics

IMAGINING NEW WORLDS PROJECT GRAPES Presentation Folder descriptions guidelines: G- GEOGRAPHY: What does your world look like? What natural resources does it have? What geographical features does it have? What sources of food are available? If something is not there, how would people get that resource? Where/how do you get water? R RELIGION: How does your society embrace religion? Does your world encourage or discourage religion? Does it even allow for it? Does it promote tolerance and acceptance of all religions, or just one? Does your society have a national religion? What is the relationship of religion and government? Is religion a part of our government or are they separate? How much is religion valued? What artifacts demonstrate how the society feels about religion? A ACCOMPLISHMENTS: What great achievements have your society made because of the structure you have established? Who are the celebrated people in your society? What is valued in your world (for example, art, visual art, hard work, music, performing arts, beauty, honor?) What profession is most respected? What do people study in this world? What discoveries or inventions have been made in this society? Is there advanced technology? If so, what advances have been made? On the other hand, what people are not respected or celebrated? P POLITICAL: Who is/are the leader(s) in your society? How are leaders chosen- do the people choose or is someone appointed? What is the process for this? Or did they obtain their power by force (dictator). Who makes the laws, and how are laws enforced? Is there opportunity to change the laws (like our Constitutional Amendments)? What role do The People play in your government? Do the people have right to challenge the government? E-ECONOMY: What natural resources does your geography lend that you use to trade or sell for income? Is it a raw resource (like gold), or is it manufactured into something else (like textiles)? Where does your civilization get its capital (money?) Is it a capitalist society or socialist? Does the government tax people? What does the government use the tax money for- social services, war, education? Is the wealth spread out evenly, or do a small portion of people (class) hold most of the wealth? S- SOCIAL STRUCTURE: Is there a class system, or is everybody equal? How is equality enforced? What do families look like in your world? What do their homes look like (this should relate to your natural resources and climate)? Are people encouraged follow their dreams/ pursue their passions? Or are they assigned a job? Can women and men interact freely? Are there genderspecific roles in your society? Is there healthy interaction between people of different races? Is racial diversity celebrated? Or is everyone encouraged to be more or less the same? Is there poverty in this world? How do this society care for the sick and the needy?