For this unit project, you will be responding to a few ideas about civilization that John Green presents in the video "Rethinking Civilization."

In this unit, you have learned about the basic features of what we call "civilization," namely: agriculture, food surpluses, labour specialization, writing, cities, and centralized government. This has all resulted in progress and a bounty for all, or so the story goes. 

In the video below, Green has the viewer think about the story of the rise of great civilizations from a different angle. Perhaps civilization is best avoided even if it means running to the hills. Green explains that some people may have done just that. 

Step 1 - Think about your position

Think about your understanding of what is meant by "civilization" and how it may have changed while studying this unit. 

Step 2 - Watch video

Watch "Rethinking Civilization" below. Don't expect to understand everything. Green talks quickly and covers a lot of ground here. A transcript of the video has been provided also. 

Transcript for Rethinking Civilization

Identify a few key ideas that you would like to respond to. 

Step 3 - Respond to the video

In terms of anything that John Green says, you may:

• Agree 
• Disagree 
• Ask a question
• Extend the idea
• Connect it to other ideas in this course or elsewhere

For each idea that you choose, you must select a direct quotation. Be sure that you understand his position and that you have a legitimate response to it. 

You must also select an image for each section. Take a cue from the video, noticing how Green uses images to support the ideas that he is communicating. 

Step 4 - Create an outline

Your outline must have an introduction, must present your ideas in the best order, and have a conclusion

Be sure to show your outline to your teacher before continuing

Step 5 - Create your slideshow or report

Your project must have the following:

• Title page or slide
• Introduction
• Response 1
• Response 2
• Response 3
• Conclusion

For each of these six sections, you must have

• at least one slide or page
• at least one supporting image
• a direct quotation for responses 1, 2 and 3

This will be marked according to the rubric below. Note that to get a mark for rough work, you must show your teacher the outline before you do the good copy of your project.