NEWSCAST FROM THE PAST: CATAL HUYUK

Focus Questions:

• What are the differences between a Hunter-Gather society and an agricultural society?

• What are the conditions that support permanent settlements?

Task

You and your group members will research the answers to these questions through an investigation of the ancient farming settlement of Catal Huyuk (located in modern-day Turkey). You will present your findings in the format of an investigative newscast.

To earn full credit on your newscast, make sure each member of your team:

1. assumes a role and investigates a specific topic
2. develops and researches three open-ended questions/answers on that topic
3. contributes to the research and/or construction of an authentic backdrop - Our viewers back home will want to see both exterior and interior shots of Catal Huyuk!

Sources:

• Start with your history book. Locate information on the agricultural revolution
• Expand your background by visiting the following Internet sources:
  • Mysteries of Catal Huyuk: http://www.smm.org/catal/
  • Catal Huyuk at Cyber Science: http://www.ina.fr/CP/CyberScience/BDD/fich_028.en.html
  • Catal Huyuk: http://campus.northpark.edu/history/Classes/Sources/CatalHuyuk.html
  • Catal Huyuk: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~edaniel/visuals/catalhoy.htm
  • First Villages: http://users.hol.gr/~dilos/prehis/prerm5.htm
  • Labyrinth of Time: http://levity.com/eschaton/dreammuseum.html
  • Agricultural Revolution: http://www.wsu.edu:8001/vwsu/gened/learn-modules/top_agrev/3-Hunting-and-Gathering/hunt-gathering1.html
  • Catal Huyuk: http://www.worldmonuments.org/catalhu.html
  • Rice University Archaeology Sites: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~anth/archaeology/archaeology.html

Roles and Topics:

Geographer/Cartographer: Research the geography of Catal Huyuk and the surrounding region. Consider the quote "Geography is the mother of all history." How would this quote apply to the development of early agriculture in Catal Huyuk? To guide you in researching and presenting your topic, be sure to read the Scoring Guide for Geographer/Cartographer.

Archaeologist: Research burial practices at the site. Is there any evidence that the inhabitants of Catal Huyuk participated in religious practices? To guide you in researching and presenting your topic, be sure to read the Scoring Guide for Archaeologist.

Art Historian: Research the different pieces of art found at the site. Is the art decorative or religious - or both? How could you tell the difference? To guide you in researching and presenting your topic, be sure to read the Scoring Guide for Art Historian.

Economist(s): Research for evidence of agriculture and trade. What is the economy of the region, which located in modern-day Turkey, based on today? To guide you in researching and presenting your topic, be sure to read the Scoring Guide for Economist.

Architectural Historian: Research the style and structure of any buildings found at the site. Is there a style that is typical of Catal Huyuk housing? To guide you in researching and presenting your topic, be sure to read the Scoring Guide for Architectural Historian.

Evaluation:

You will be given a grade not only for your individual role, but also for your contribution to the group effort. By following both the individual scoring guide provided for each role and the group participation guide, you will have an excellent chance of earning the grade you would like. Know your role and use your in-class work time wisely!

Extension:

How important is agriculture to the economy of your community? Who are the people who work in agriculture today and what is their culture? How would you portray the life of farm laborers in modern times? Design a mural to compare Neolithic farming to modern farming.

ACTION PLAN DUE DATE:

NEWSCAST PRESENTATION:

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