Module 1 Essay Instructions
For the past few weeks we’ve been discussing the development of human societies. For most of the time humans have existed, they have survived by foraging (also known as hunting and gathering). But around 10,000 years ago, some people started to make their living by farming and raising livestock. This eventually led to the development of cities and states aka complex societies or civilizations. Because this transition from foraging eventually happened all around the world (though some people still make their living by foraging today), it is often assumed that settling down and forming complex societies represented a major step forward for humanity. Is that true?
Your task
You are to write an essay that answers the following question:
Was the development of farming and the development of complex societies a step forward or backward for humans (Homo sapiens)?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. You can argue that the move away from foraging was mostly a step forward, mostly a step backward, or somewhat of a mix (one step forward, one step back). Whatever case you make, support it with evidence (see below).
Your evidence
For this essay, you must present and explain evidence from a minimum of five sources. One source will be the textbook. The remaining four sources must be chosen from the videos and articles included in the Sources for Module 1 Essay section.
