World Cultures Name:___________________________

Unit I Europe Block:_______

Exploring a European Country Research Activity
Instructions: Using the Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life (found through the library database Gale
Virtual Reference Library; username and password is colonials), research a European nation of interest to you and
complete the items below thoughtfully and completely. Be prepared to share what youve learned with your peers.
1. To what extent was this country ruled by others? Use evidence to support your answer.
Dominated by Sparta and Athens between the 6
th
and 8
th
century B.C.

2. Which 20
th
century events had the greatest influence on this country? Choose two events and explain their impact.
In 1960, British rule ended and Greece became a Greek state. In 1973 Greece declared as a republic.

3. Identify the following:
Topic Details
Well known cities, regions, or
landforms
Mt. Olympus, Aegean sea, Sparta Athens

Relative size (size in relationship to
another place)
60000 square miles
Description of natural environment 80% mountains very big coast line

Population size 11 million
Degree of diversity
(1=homogenous; 10=very diverse)
with explanation
3 Many of the people living in Greece have Greek decent.

Languages/Alphabets Modern Greek


4. How does folklore influence the peoples worldview or actions? Explain your answer using specific details.
Greece has a history of stories about gods a demigods. This is known as Mythology.
5. What religion(s) is practiced in this country, and how does it impact the people?
Greeks were polytheistic. They believed in many gods and they believed their life was pre determined.



6. Are rites of passage in this country similar to or different from rites of passage in the U.S.? Explain your answer
using specific pieces of evidence.
Greeks have baptisms and marriages.

7. What tips on interpersonal behavior might you give to an American who is about to travel to this country? Provide
at least three.
When traveling to Greece, expect to see groups of people hanging out together and very interactive and energetic
citizens.
8. Is the standard of living in this country better, worse, or about the same as that of the U.S.? Justify your answer
with at least three pieces of evidence.
There is very little crime in Greece and has a very nice climate. Also, Greece has the lowest cost of living.


9. Is family important in this country? Why or why not? Use specific details in your response.
Family is very important in this country. Greece has a very low divorce rate and spouse abuse rate.




10. Does this country have distinctive traditional clothing? Explain your answer citing specific details.
Clothing for dancers include a tunic and vest. These are worn for celebration.


11. How has globalization impacted food and diet in this country? Explain your answer using specific facts.
Food consists of simple and healthy means such as tomatoes, dough, bread, fruits, vegetables, spices, and soups


12. How might your educational experience in this country differ from the schooling you receive in the U.S.?
Greece has a very low education rate. Not many students graduate from high school and barely anyone ever goes to
college. The U.S has a greater education rate.


13. What cultural influences or accomplishments is this country best known for? List and describe at least three.
Greece is responsible for Greek mythology. Also the roots of science and fishing.


14. Summarize the overall economy of this country in 2-3 sentences.
Over the past 20 years, Greeces economic freedom has decreased. Corruption is a big problem in Greece. Greece
lacks efficiency.


15. How do people of this country spend their leisure time? List at least five activities. Would you want to live there?
Fishing, sports, sailing, art, and the Olympics are examples of activities Greeks would participate in. I would like to
live here because activities are simple.


16. List (in order of significance) what you feel are the three biggest problems that this country needs to resolve.
Hiv aids, drug abuse, and government corruption
17. Are all people treated equally in this country? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific evidence.
Men and women in Greece used to be unequal. Men had more rights. In 1984 a law was passed giving women more
rights in the country.