Understanding Culture,

Society and Politics

Quarter 1 – Module 4:
Significance of Cultural, Social,
Political and Economic Symbols and
Practices
 What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet ofpaper.

1. The cultural evolution of man has three remarkable Era. Which of thefollowing has the correct
order of era?
a. Age of Metal, Neolithic Period, Paleolithic Period
b. Neolithic Period, Paleolithic Period, Age of Metal
c. Paleolithic Period, Age of Metal, Neolithic Period
d. Palaeolithic Period, Neolithic Period, Age of Metal

2. In the early stage, human move from one place to another. As they transform and adapt their
environment, they learn to have permanent settlement. Whatperiod did the permanent
settlement of human occur?
a. Age of Bronze b. Age of Copper c. Neolithic Period d. Palaeolithic Period

3. Each era has a significant cultural development such as the use of fire in Paleolithic period,
the domestication of plants and animals in the Neolithic Period, and the use of metal in the
age of Metal. What is the other term for theAge of Metal?
a. Land Revolution b. Stone Revolution
c. Metal Civilization d. Rise of Civilization

4. In the Neolithic period, the Cro-Magnon disappeared and the new people whowere
considered the modern men appeared, which of the following were the accomplishments of
human during this period?
a. Live in cave b. Used unpolished stone tools
c. Used metals to upgrade tools d. Domesticated plants and animals

5. There were three metals distinguished in the Age of Metals. Which of thefollowing was
the first known metal in this period?
a. Iron b. Bronze c. Copper d. Aluminum

6. Which of the following events DOES NOT occur during Neolithic Revolution?
a. Increase in population
b. Fishing is the only way to live
c. Learned to create crafts as pottery and weaving
d. Way of living changed from hunting and gathering to agriculture

7. The most obvious material symbols of ancient state societies is .

a. Pyramids b. Stone tablets c. Irrigation canals d. Monumental works

8. What is the earliest writing form in the world which was developed inMesopotamia 6,000
years ago?
a. Runes b. Cuneiform c. Hieroglyphics d. Clay-tablet symbology

9. In the type of political ruling, it refers to the series of rulers descending froma single-family
line.
a. Dynasty b. Oligarchy c. Monarchy d. Democracy

10. In Mesopotamian culture, the ancient Egypt is one of the most importantcivilizations in
history. When it is said to have emerged?
a. 2,000 years old b. 3,000 years old c. 4, 000 years old d. 5, 000 years old

11. In the history of European exploration, when was the Spanish global powerstarted?
a. 1345 b. 1492 c. 1500 d. 1896

12. Which treaty ends World War I and breaks several multi-rational empires?
a. Treaty of Versailles b. Treaty of Neuilly-sur-Seine
c. Faisal-Weizmann agreement d. Treaty of Saint-Germain enLaye

13. What form of democracy do the Philippines have?

a. Constitutional democracy b. Representative democracy
c. Direct democracy d. a and b
 14. In the types of government, which of the following does not describedemocracy?
a. From an authoritarian political system to a semi democracy
b. Transition from an authoritarian regime to a full democracy
c. From semi authoritarian political system to a democratic politicalsystem
d. From semi authoritarian political system to a semi democratic politicalsystem

15. Democracy is generally known as the government of the people; moreover, theParticipatory
democracy is best defined as .
a. Direct individual participation by citizen in political decisions thataffect their daily living
b. Limited political participation by a small group that make and influencepolitical decision
c. Non-government interest groups influence political decision throughlobbying and donations
d. A system where citizens choose government representatives amongtheir citizens

What’s In
Analyze the scenarios and pictures below. Tell if it shows ethnocentrism or culturalrelativism.
Write your answers on your paper.

1. You have a classmate from the north who does not

spend as much. Other students think it is stingy,
because in the place where your classmate came from is
known for its culture to be prudent with money

2. Your family used tolive abroad and has a

habit of welcoming relatives and visitors in your home.
Prepares food or even offer lodging. Your foreign friends
understood this behavior because they know that it is
part of your culture and shouldnever be judge
according to their standards.
3. In your community there are only a few
rich families, and due to the busy schedule,
they rarely socialize and talk to neighbors. But
for most in yourcommunity they assume that
it reflects a proud attitude.

Philippines is known for having variety of delicacies

which used different cooking techniques and all native food are tasty and delicious. It also
encourages tourist and other people from different countries to visit the Philippines, to try and
taste these delicacies that are rare in their places.

5. In Baguio, it is common for them to eat dog meat

and it is part of their culture, but elsewhere in the
Philippines it is not acceptable and considered illegal
because for others dogs are treated as a house pet.
 What’s New

Activity 1: The ICEMAN and the ALPS

(this activity is adapted from slideshare.net accessed May 25, 2020)

In 1991, hikers in the Alps found a dead body and notified the authorities. They thought that person
might have died on a recent hike, but extensive scientific testing revealed the body to be around 5,000
years old! Since the “Iceman” was frozen for all this time, his body clothing, and tools were all
preserved intact, giving us a rare glimpse of what it must have been like to live in the Neolithic Era.
The discovery of the Iceman has also given us a mystery to solve. The autopsy’ revealed many signs
of violent death. When archaeologists inquire about the past,they examined evidence and put it
together to tell their story. What story does it tell?
Artifacts
Copper Axe
Flint knife
Unfinished longbows
Flints (stones used for tools
and fire)
Mushrooms
14 bone-tipped arrows
Two finished
Twelve unfinished
Autopsy
Cerebral Trauma to the head
Your assignment:
Cuts and bruises on hands
Arrow wound in shoulder By yourself, use at least 6 pieces
(arrow probably removed) of evidence to tell a story about the
Blood from 4 people (DNA) events leading to the Iceman’s death.
57 Carbon Tattoos (dots and Remember that the only wrong answer
lines on lower spine. Back of in history is an answer that lack
knees and right ankle) evidence. Be creative and have fun with
About 5000years old this.

1. Based from the activity, what is the significance of human material remains andartefactual
evidence in interpreting culture, social and political processes?

2. As compared to our lives today what differences do we have from these men who lived 5,000 years
ago in terms of biological and cultural features? Use the reconstructed picture of the iceman below.
Present day Human Beings

Biological difference:

Cultural Difference:

3. As you can see, there is a big difference between the biological and socio-culturalfeatures between
that Iceman and you. Why do you think changes happen in all aspects of your life from time to
time?

Activity 2: The 3-IN-1 Learning Stations

Carefully look at each picture. Give your descriptions pertaining to their:

1. CULTURE or way of living
2. PHYSICAL capacity in doing the task
3. The kind of LEADERSHIP they have
 Guide Questions:
In two to three sentences, explain how our cultural and socio-political ways haschanged over the
years? (Rubrics below is the basis for scoring)

Answer: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Areas of 4 3 2 1
Assessment
Presents ideas in an Presents ideas in Ideas are too Ideas arevague
Ideas original manner a consistent general orunclear
manner
Strong and Organized Some No organization;
Organization organized beg/mid/end organization; lack
beg/mid/end attempt at a beg/mid/end
beg/mid/end
Writing shows Writing showsa Writing shows Writing shows
Understanding strong clear adequate little
understanding understanding understanding understanding
Sophisticated useof Nouns and verbs Needs morenouns Little or no useof
nouns and verbs makeessay and verbs nouns and verbs
Word Choice make the essay informative
very
informative
Sentence structure Sentence Sentence No sense of
enhances meaning; structure is structure is sentence
SentenceStructure flowsthroughout evident; limited; structure orflow
the sentences mostly sentences needto
piece flow flow

Mechanics Few (if any)errors Few errors Several errors Numerouserror

 What is It

In this part of your journey, we provide something for you to read to deepen yourunderstanding
about the topic.

Please do it with comprehension to discover knowledge that will help you out indealing with the next
phase of your quest.

Think it over:

1. When we try to compare then and now, what are differences in terms of howpeople carry out
things physically, culturally, and socio-politically?

2. What are the different stages in the cultural development of human?

3. How does human grow culturally, socially, and politically in PaleolithicPeriod? Neolithic
Period? Age of Metal?

4. Why do you think people need a transformation or evolution to adapt tohis/her environment?

5. Do you observe practices that preserve culture in today’s living? Explain by

giving an example.

6. As a person, how do you progress? List down at least five things that you can’t
do 10 years ago, and the things that you can do at present.

10 years ago, I CANNOT At present, I CAN

HUMAN CULTURAL EVOLUTION

It is a saying that “human has no contentment”. As the environment changes, we continuously grow
and find ways to make maximize our effort as we live. It is very evident in the different stages of
human cultural evolution: Palaeolithic Period, Neolithic Period, and Age of Metal.

The term “Palaeolithic” was coined by archaeologist John Lubbock in 1865. It is derived the from Greek
word, palaios, which means "old"; and, lithos, "stone", In short, the Palaeolithic Period, which
happened 2.5 million years ago, is also known as "Old Stone Age".

In the Palaeolithic period, the Earth was extremely cold and ocean levels were much lower than they are
now. Due to the cold climate, much of the Stone Age is also called the Ice Age.

During these years, people were nomads

and able to usesimple tools and weapons
made of unpolished stone. The caves served
as their shelter.

Similarly, this was the timewhen people

discovered to use the fire, through the
use of stone, for their protection against
cold temperatureand to cook their own food.

Human beings in this time were grouped together in small societies such as bands, and subsisted by
gathering plants and fishing, hunting or scavenging wild animals. Also in this era, according to
study of Dr. Jesus T. Peralta of NCCA, respect is givento age, and individual prowess and ability are
recognized. There are no leaders that could be said to be above everybody else and whose
commands are obeyed without question. In some cases, one who is known for good decisions is
consulted when a problem arises; or well-known hunter will be asked to lead a hunting group.

Likewise, the term “Neolithic” also comes from the same archaeologist and from the Greek word “neo”
which means new and “lithos” meaning stone or in short, the “New Stone Age” which was happened for
about 10,000 B.C.In this period, the Cro Magnon disappeared and the new people who are considered
the modern man appeared.

The Neolithic Revolution is also called as the

First Agricultural Revolution. During this period,
there was a wide-scale transition of many human
cultures from a lifestyle of hunting and gathering
to of agriculture and settlement kind of society
which eventually led to population increase. People
depend on domesticated plants and animals.
They learned to create such crafts as pottery and
weaving. They likewise developed boat as means
of transportation and for fishing as well.

From being nomads during the early stage, human began to develop a
sedentary type of society of which they built-up villages and towns.

Furthermore, they were never contented of their

accomplishments. They kept on discovering things for theirown
convenience. So, they discovered metals, and they gradually abandoned
stone as the basic element for their instrument and tools

This period was known as Age of Metals (4000 B.C – 1500 B.C). The used of metal such
as bronze, copper, and iron produced a new historical development from the cradle
civilization of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia including the India, and China which later spread
throughout Asia.

There were three stages distinguished within this Age due to the different types of metals that were
used: The Copper Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age; copper was the first known metal, it is of a low
hardness and it was used to make ornaments; bronze is an alloy of copper and tin and it is harder and
stronger than copper. Several eastern Mediterranean peoples discovered this metallurgy and
progressed rapidly.
During this age, agricultural tools were developed with bronze, such as plows and sickles, military
weapons like swords, spears and shields, as well as household utensils like jars, bowls and cups.
Likewise, a more developed social, cultural, political, and economic system were improved. Tribes,
empires, and state were recognized
at this point.

EARLY CIVILIZATION and RISE of the STATE

Ancient State and Civilization

One of the earliest states and civilizations was found in the Fertile Crescent which is known as the
Mesopotamian civilization. The word Mesopotamia is a Greek word for “Land between two rivers” which
is often referred to as the cradle of civilization. It is the region of the Western Asia located between the
Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. It is known as the Fertile Crescent where the first evidence of agriculture
was also found.

Here the first human civilizations were taking the earliest steps from hunter-gatherer society into
settled community.
Moreover, it is in Mesopotamia that the history writing appeared as early as over 5,000 years ago.
This invention was so important that it marks the end of the Prehistory, and the beginning of
history. One of the first writing systems, the Cuneiform, is one of the most important civilizations in
the history of Mesopotamianculture.

Every city in Mesopotamia had its own government, rulers, warriors, patron god, andfunctioned like
an independent country. Mesopotamian cities were Ur, Uruk, Kish, Lagesh. There is a temple at the
center of each city called a ziggurat (a massive, tiered, pyramid-shaped structure).

There was also what we called Mesopotamian warrior-gods(2.400-2.500 B.C.)whogovern and

protect the people under its government. Military commanders eventually became monarch
creating a new structure of government called a Dynasty. It is a series of rulers descending from a
single-family line. The AkkadianEmpire lasted about 200 years. In the year 2350–2150 B.C,
Babylonian Empire overtook Sumerians around 2000 B.C., and they built capital, the Babylon, on
Euphrates River.

Another ancient states and civilizations was the Egyptian civilization. It emerged more than 5,000
years ago along the River Nile in the north-east of Africa. The Ancient Egyptians lived near the River
Nile because of its fertile land suitable for growing crops and domestication of animals. Each year, water
from the Nile rose and flooded the area. When the water went back, it left mud that made the fields
fertile.

Egyptians called their king a pharaoh. The pharaoh was all- powerful: He passed laws, He ruled the
country, He owned most of the land, and He controlled trade and led the armies. Egyptians believed
that the pharaohs were gods.

Modern State and Civilization

In the European continent, several states and civilization grew tremendously over centuries. In England,
around 1500s, most of the people lived in small villages. They paid tithes to their feudal landlords. Henry
VII won the War of the Roses in England, which led into what is known as the Tudor dynasty, and begun
the development of the English nation-state.

In Spain in the year 1492, Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella took Spainback from the
Muslim. It became the era of Spain as a global power.
In France, Louis XIV of France created an absolute monarchy. France became the dominant power in
Europe. When The French Revolution broke out, it created the modern French nation-state, which
sparked nationalism around Europe.

In 1914, when various nation-states started to claim their power and superiority over all the nations in
the world, the World War I begununtil1918. In 1919, Treaty of Versailles ended the World War I. It
divided several multinational empires that led to the creation of several new nation-states.

In 1939, the World War II started until 1945. The end of World War II led to theformation of
United Nations in 1945.

The State of the People: Democratic State

In the recent decade after the two World Wars, people are becoming more active in their
government and state affairs, in which people become the source of political power and government
rules. This evolution in the government is known as the process of democratization, or simply
democracy – the rule of the people.

Democratization is the transition to a more democratic political regime, including substantive political
changes moving in a democratic direction. It may be the transition from an authoritarian regime to a
full democracy, a transition from an authoritarian political system to a semi-democracy or transition
from a semi- authoritarian political system to a democratic political system. What is a democracy?
Moreover, a democracy is a form of government where the citizens of the nation have the power to vote.

Activity 3: Beyond Walls

As a senior high school student, you are already aware of the type of government
we have in the Philippines. Let’s find out how you understand democracy? Explain
the following based on your knowledge, readings, and experiences.

Guide Questions: As a student….

1. What are the things that ademocracy must

provide?

2. Why is democracy a better formof government?

3. What can you expect from the government

practicing democracy?

Types of Democracy
There are several different types of democracies;

1. Representative democracy is a system where citizens choose governmentrepresentatives

among their citizens,

2. Direct democracy is when the citizens form a governing body and vote directly on issues,

3. Constitutional democracy limits the powers of government through the nation’sconstitution.

 What’s More

ARTICLE READING 101

Read the article entitled “A Settled Life”. Analyze how the ancient cultural and socio-political
features developed and impact our present period. Then, be able to answer the succeeding guide
questions.

A Settled Life
Dr. Senta German

When people think of the Neolithic era, they often think of Stonehenge, the iconic image of this
early era. Dating to approximately 3000 B.C.E. and set on Salisbury Plain in England, it is a
structure larger and more complex than anything built before it in Europe. Stonehenge is an
example of the cultural advances brought about by the Neolithic revolution—the most important
development in human history. The way we live today, settled in homes, close to other people in
towns and cities, protected by laws, eating food grown on farms, and with leisure time to learn, explore
and invent is all a result of the Neolithic revolution, which occurred approximately 11,500-5,000
years ago. The revolution which led to our way of life was the development of the technology
needed to plant and harvest crops and to domesticateanimals.

Before the Neolithic revolution, it's likely you would have lived with your extended family as a
nomad, never staying anywhere for more than a few months, always living in temporary shelters,
always searching for food and never owning anything you couldn’t easily pack in a pocket or a sack.
The change to the Neolithic way of life washuge and led to many of the pleasures
(lots of food,friends and a comfortable home)
that we still enjoytoday.(Stonehenge,
c. 3,000 B.C.E.,Salisbury Plain, England)

Neolithic Art. The massive changes inthe way

people lived also changed the types of art they
made. Neolithic sculpture became bigger, in part,
because people didn’t have to carry it around
anymore; pottery became more widespread and
was used to store food harvested from farms. This is
when alcohol was first produced and when architecture, and its vivid interior and exterior
decoration, first appears. In short, people settle down and begin to live in one place, year after year.

It seems very unlikely that Stonehenge could have been made by earlier, Paleolithic, nomads. It
would have been a waste to invest so much time and energy building a monument in a place to
which they might never return or might only return infrequently. After all, the effort to build it
was extraordinary. Stonehenge is approximately 320 feet in circumference and the stones which
compose the outer ring weigh as much as 50 tons; the small stones, weighing as much as 6 tons,
were quarried from as far away as 450 miles. The use or meaning of Stonehenge is not clear, but the
design, planning and execution could have only been carried out by a culture in which authority was
unquestioned. Here is a culture that was able to rally hundreds of people to perform very hard work
for extended periods of time. This is another characteristic of the Neolithic era.

Source: Dr. Senta German, A Settled Life:https://www.khanacademy.org 2020

 I have analyzed…
I think that…
Guide Questions:
Example: Example
What does the Stonehenge is trying The Stonehenge tries to showcase that even
to tell this modern era? before they had already their
cultural
advancement, which, in this modern age can
further develop such as the technologies.
a. Vividly envision the Stonehenge.
Imagine how theybuilt it. Could you
say that early people were physically
fitand prepared as we are today?

b. How did ancient humans end

their “being nomads”?

c. Looking at the “lens” of

Stonehenge, how will you describe
the kind of socio-
political way?
d. Why is Neolithic Revolution
considered as the most important
development in human history?

What I Have Learned

To sum up what you have learned. Complete the following phrases

3 Thoughts I have learned… 2 Things I want to remember…

1 Question I have in mind…

Life as a Symbol…
(Briefly explain how the symbol would influence yourself to live a better life(Draw a symbol of life):

What I Can Do

A Better Me in My Society

As a millennial and a Filipino youth, how will you respond andadapt

to this changing world where people and society have indeed developed
and became more advanced than before? However, consider some
circumstances that are hooked on it.
#I WILL SURVIVE!
Fill in the blank to complete your pledge to continue the legacies of our ancestors.

As a human being, I understand that people need to change to survive. Hence, I will try to ,
, and to continuously grow as a student. I will do my best to
and __________all cultural properties which I believe are part of my country’s legacy. I will also
render all possible help to and
our society and history as well.

Assessment

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet ofpaper.

1. During the earliest stage cultural evolution of nomadic people, they hunt andgather foods to
stay alive and they learn to make a sedentary lifestyle in the Neolithic period. Which
statement tells the accomplishment of human in the Neolithic period?
a. Live in a cave b. Used unpolished stone tools
c. Used metals to upgrade tools d. Domesticate plants and animals

2. The Age of Metal produced a new historical development from the cradlecivilization of Egypt,
Mesopotamia, Persia including the India, and China which later on spread throughout Asia.
Which type of metal were the earliest known by human?
a. Iron b. Bronze c. Copper d. Aluminum

3. There are three notable stages in the human cultural evolution. Whichstatement tells the
correct timeline of these evolutions?
a. Age of Metal, Neolithic Period, Paleolithic Period
b. Neolithic Period, Paleolithic Period, Age of Metal
c. Paleolithic Period, Age of Metal, Neolithic Period
d. Paleolithic Period, Neolithic Period, Age of Metal

4. From being nomads during the early stage, human began to developed a sedentary type of
society of which they built-up villages and towns. In whichera has these evolutions happens?
a. Age of Bronze b. Age of Copper c. Neolithic Period d. Paleolithic Period

5. The most significant evolution in Paleolithic period is when people discovered the use of fire.
In the Neolithic period is when human learned to domesticate plants and animals, which is
known to be the First Agricultural Revolution. In the Age of Metal is the discovery of people
in using metal as their tools, thus, the Age of Metal is identified as:
a. Stone Revolution b. Metal Civilization
c. Rise of Civilization d. Agricultural Revolution

6. How were the first modern humans (Homo sapiens) different from any otherhominid
species?
a. They had large brains b. They lived outside of Africa
c. They used symbolic thought d. They used and controlled fire

7. In the history of human social evolution, what group of people was skillful athunting
and butchering animals?
a. Homo sapien b. Homo habilis c. Homo erectus d. Australopithecus Homo sapien

8. In the history of human civilization in which people started to develop their society, where did
the world’s first Civilization develop?
a. Crete b. Egypt c. Mesopotamia d. Eastern China

9. From the different kind of government in various societies, what is a form ofgovernment
where the citizens of the nation have the power to vote?
a. Capitalism b. Aristocracy c. Democracy d. Bureaucracy
 10. In the context of European historical society, which of the following DOES NOThappened
during pre -1500’s?
a. The French Revolution
b. The hundred year’s war started.
c. The era of Spain as a global power begins
d. Henry VII wins the War of the Roses in England, begins the Tudor dynasty, and starts the
development of the English nation-state.

11. In the history of war, the nations started to claim their power and supremacy over the
nations. Which treaty ends the World War I and breaks several multi-rational empires?
a. Treaty of Versailles b. Treaty of Neuilly-sur-Seine
c. Faisal-Weizmann agreement d. Treaty of Versailles Treaty of Saint-Germain enLaye

12. Democracy is a type of government in which the people elect their leader in the
government position. Direct democracy is the system in which...
a. Senior political leaders are known as 'Directors'.
b. Citizens represent themselves in the decision-making process.
c. Citizens choose their representatives in free and fair elections.
d. Citizens are allowed to debate with their representatives in open public meetings.

13. Which statement most accurately describes how geography affected the growth of the ancient
civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia?
a. Large deserts provided many mineral deposits.
b. Access to the Atlantic Ocean provided trade routes.
c. River valleys provided rich soil to grow plentiful crops.
d. Large Savannah areas provided protection from invaders.

14. Which geographic feature was common to the development of civilizations inancient Egypt,
China, India, and Mesopotamia?
a. deserts b. mountains c. rain forests d. river valleys

15. In the context of ancient civilization, which factor led to the development ofcivilizations in
ancient Mesopotamia?
a. political harmony b. favorable geography c. religious differences d. universal education

Additional Activities

Agree or Disagree Matrix

This activity aims to know how you react to the following facts discussed in the lesson. Read each
statement and decide whether you agree or disagree with it. Writeyour point of view with the
column of your answer. Provide a brief explanation for your choice of answer in the space
provided.

AGREE STATEMENTS DISAGREE

1. In the early times, people did not

learn and develop any advancement
in theirliving.
2. Ancient societies,specifically during
the Early civilizationhad ruled by great
leaders.

3. “Human has no
contentment”

4. Human culture has nothing to do

with human adaptation
5. Early cultural andsocio-
political undertakings cannever
be developedor improved.