Mrs. Ruland's United States History Class
Components of Civilization
"RECIPES"
RECIPES is a mnemonic device to help students remember the various components of civilization. These components will be used throughtout the year. Students must understand the meaning of each.
Religious -- how people explain, relate to, and cope with the mysterious; what they believe or accept on the basis of faith; a way of making things understandable when rational means are not enough.
Economic -- how people "make a living," that is, supply the material necessities and wants of individuals and society: food, shelter, and clothing; the production, distribution, and exchange of goods.
Cultural -- how people express themselves through the creation of objects and experiences that reflect, evoke, and intensify their thoughts and feelings through painting, sculpture, music, dance, theater, and literature.
Intellectual -- how people form ideas and theories; how they see or create mental patterns and designs to order their experiences and make sense out of them; an understanding that is sufficient to cope with life.
Political -- how people are governed; matters of authority and obedience, including who makes the laws, decides on foreign relations such as war and peace, collects taxes, dispenses justice, and provides services needed by the general public.
Environmental -- the physical or material conditions in which people find themselves; the terrain, soil, weather, climate, geographical features with which people are confronted, and of which they must make the best or move on.
Social -- how people organize themselves in society, that is, the interrelationships among individuals, groups with individuals, and groups with other groups; a society results initially from the need to cooperate in order to survive.
Last updated August 6, 2003
© Marcella Ruland 1998-2009, All rights reserved
