There are more than two dozen "mini
cases" embedded in the various sections of each of the
chapters of Ancient History, and each mini-case can function
in a case study format. The mini-cases, the big ideas to be
explored, and higher-order, discussion questions are identified
below. If you are interested in using a case study approach,
select a mini-case from the following options, and proceed
by having students view the section of the chapter that addresses
the issue that you wish examined. After the students have
viewed the selected section, use the discussion questions
to promote inquiry about the big ideas.
The following big ideas, integral to sections
of Ancient History are suggested for case study topics:
Chapter 1: Ancient Egypt
Vanity
Vanity is not a modern phenomenon. It was a strong influence
on behavior as long ago as Ancient Egypt.
Government
People living in large groups require rules and laws to govern
their behavior.
Monuments to power
Some all-powerful leaders demand great monuments to honor
and immortalize them.
Social Classes
There was a great divide between the rich people who lived
in the palace of the Pharaoh, and the peasants, farmers and
artisans.
Growing Food
Food was plentiful and came largely from the bounty of the
land. Living in the fertile Nile River valley made the growing
of a great variety of food possible.
Childhood
The concept of a protected childhood is a modern concept.
Children in Ancient Egypt were cared for and protected only
until the age when they were able to join the workforce.
Written language
The ability to read and write made an enormous difference
to a society. A written alphabet, the basis of reading and
writing, and a system of numbers, allowed civilizations to
take major steps forward.
Recreation
People in early societies, like the Ancient Egyptians, loved
a good time.
The ability to use wind, as a means of powering a ship, was
an innovative technological advance. This was the beginning
of sea travel.
Wind – a source of power for water
travel
The ability to use wind as a means of powering a ship was
an innovative technological advance. This was the beginning
of sea travel.
Fear of the unknown
People throughout history have had a deep fear of the unknown
and of life's uncertainties. They have devised various ways
of dealing with those fears.
Making war
People throughout history have made war in order to increase
their status, their power, their possessions. War seems to
satisfy some inner human need.
Comparative societies
Other societies were developing at the same time as Ancient
Egypt. These had similarities to, and major differences from
the Egyptians, depending on a variety of social, economic,
cultural, and geographic factors
