Oklahoma Academic Standard 1. The student will analyze and summarize the impact of the major patterns of political, economic, and cultural change over time to 1450 CE and their long-term influences.

Objective 1.1  Evaluate the impact of geography and trade on the development of culture in Africa, Asia, and Europe including religion, philosophy, and political belief.

In a Nutshell

It is important for students to understand that geography and physical environments define human action and movement, the growth of trade, and development of technology- all of which connects the world’s people and cultures. Examining religions, philosophy, and political structures reveals the impact of these causal factors and cross-cultural interactions.

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Assist students to explain how changes in transportation, communication, and technology affect the diffusion of ideas. 

• Provide opportunities for students to analyze spatial patterns of physical and human environments using geographic technology from historical perspectives to evaluate the impact of geography and trade on culture.

• Explain the influences of multiple environmental factors on historical events which provide both opportunities and limitations on human development. 

• Evaluate how the advancements in technology impact economic growth and standard of living.

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• elements of civilization

• effects of domestication

• importance of development of writing; hieroglyphic, cuneiform, calligraphy

• development of government; dynasties, empires, and invasion

• cultural hearths dependent upon the Nile, Tigris & Euphrates, Indus, Huang He 

• Some students may consider earlier civilizations as less intelligent; when in fact, they merely lacked the cumulative range of knowledge and technology available to contemporary cultures.

Instructional Resources