Humanities Fall Semester Final

Agrarian

Related to agriculture

Agriculture

The action of raising animals and plants for food rather than just hunting and foraging for them

Climate

The environmental conditions of a place that include the temperature, precipitation, etc

Domesticate

The action of humans forcing animals and plants to evolve to serve human purposes

Forager

A person or group that relies on hunting, fishing, and gathering wild food, rather than farming.

Hierarchy

A system in which people or groups are ranked one above the other based on status, authority, or other criteria.

Division of Labor

People are working different jobs other than just farming to survive. Can only occur with a surplus of food.

Paleolithic

The time period before agriculture

Neolithic

The time period that followed the development of agriculture

Nomadic

Groups that didn’t develop settlements and move around place to place.

Sedentary

Describing people or communities that stay in permanent settlements.

Pastoralist

A type of nomadic living in which individuals move around place to place in order to provide their livestock with food.

State

A political entity with a defined border

City-State

A city that acts as an independent state, with its own government and policies.

Coercive

Using force or threats to make someone do something against their will.

Cuneiform

An ancient system of writing used in Mesopotamia, consisting of wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets.

Dynasty

A series of rulers from the same family or lineage.

Empire

A political entity that has fluid, usually expanding borders, and commonly possesses an Emperor or equivalent

Infrastructure

The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society, such as transportation and communication systems.

Legal Code

A systematic collection of laws or rules, often codified in writing.

Matrilineal

Descent or inheritance traced through the mother's side of the family.

Patriarchal

A social system in which men hold primary power and authority in political, economic, and familial structures.

Social Hierarchy

A ranking system in society where individuals or groups are classified based on status, wealth, or authority.

Caste System

A rigid social structure present in Hindu cultures with the Brahmins (priests) at the top and the Dalits (untouchabes) at the bottom

Direct Democracy

A form of government where the people vote directly for policies.

Republic

A form of government in which the people elect a representative to make the decisions for them in government

Monotheism

The belief in the existence of only one God.

Pantheon

The collective gods of a particular religion, especially in polytheistic belief systems.

Pilgrimage

A religious journey commonly taken to holy places (Mecca for Islam)

Polytheistic

The belief in or worship of multiple gods.

Syncretism

The blending or combining of different religious beliefs, practices, or cultural elements into a new tradition.

Diffusion

The spread of cultural elements, such as ideas, technologies, or practices, from one society to another.

Sinofication

The process by which non-Chinese societies come under the influence of Chinese culture, language, and societal structures.

Buddhism

A religion and philosophy based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), emphasizing suffering, enlightenment, and the path to Nirvana.

Hinduism

A major religion originating in India, characterized by a belief in karma, reincarnation, and a diverse array of gods and practices.

Islam

A monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad in the Quran, centered on submission to Allah (God).

Judaism

A monotheistic religion of the Jewish people, based in the Torah and the covenant between God and the Israelites.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, believing in salvation and eternal life through faith in Christ.

Confucianism

A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, focusing on morality, family loyalty, and social harmony.

Daoism

A Chinese philosophy and religion that emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao (the Way), promoting simplicity, humility, and non-competition.

Feudalism

A political and economic system in medieval Europe and Japan, in which land is exchanged for loyalty, military service, and protection.

Serfdom

A type of political structure present in Medieval Europe in which a peasant (serf) was tied to their land and had to cultivate said land or die. It is a form of debt bondage (considered to be slavery)

Hajj

The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Tribute

A payment given to another entity due to a myriad of reason, mainly to show superiority

Mandate of Heaven

An ancient Chinese political concept that the emperor's right to rule is granted by the divine and can be revoked if the emperor is unjust.

Shogun

A military leader in feudal Japan who held power over the emperor and ruled the country, especially during the Edo period.

Monarch

The King or Queen of a country. They may or may not have supreme authority depending on if the country is a Constitutional Monarchy or an Absolute Monarchy

Filial Piety

The Confucian value of respecting, honoring, and taking care of one's parents and ancestors.

Dynastic Cycle

The Chinese historical pattern of rise, flourishing, and fall of ruling families (dynasties), often linked to the Mandate of Heaven.

Neolithic Revolution

The period in which Agriculture was made. It is important to note that this era is thousands of years long because evolution takes that long

Agricultural Revolution

The period in which Agriculture was made. It is important to note that this era is thousands of years long because evolution takes that long