AP WORLD HISTORY
Chapter 6Study Packet

OVERVIEW

DIRECTIONS: Read the following overview for the chapter. This will help set focus as you read. Under each of the four main points below, take notes from the reading that supports the statement given.

The cultures of the Americas and Oceania developed in relative isolation to the other early complex societies. Nevertheless, they too developed an agricultural base sufficient to support growing populations, specialized labor, political institutions, diverse societies, and long-distance trading networks. Less is known of these cultures than those in other parts of the world primarily because either writing systems did not develop or written documents perished or were destroyed. The fragments of writing and archeological findings indicate that these societies were complex and developed rich cultural traditions.

The early societies in the Americas

1.Built elaborate ceremonial centers that reflected both a complex religion and a powerful political authority

2.Left a rich artistic legacy that included pottery, sculpture, metalwork, and painting

3.Developed sophisticated knowledge of astronomy and mathematics

The early societies of Oceania

1.Saw the gradual dissemination of agricultural technology spread by Austronesian seafarers who traded and settled throughout the Pacific

2.Formed a well-integrated society known as Lapita that stretched from New Guinea to Tonga

ASSIGNMENT 2: Discussion Questions
Directions: Prepare for class discussion by making sure that your notes address the following questions.

  1. How did humans come to settle in all parts of the Americas and in Oceania?
  1. What traditions begun by the Olmecs were later adopted by other Mesoamerican societies?
  1. How did the religion of the Maya reflect and reinforce their economy and governmental structure?
  1. How did the geography of South America influence the development of the early complex societies there?
  1. Compare and contrast the societies that existed under the Chavín cult and the Mochica State.
  1. In general, how did political structures evolve on the islands of Oceania?

ASSIGNMENT 3: Short Answer Essays
Directions:Create a T-Chart to answer the following question.

1. How did the geography of the Americas and Oceania contribute to their unique development? What are the similarities in their patterns of development in spite of the geographical differences?

ASSIGNMENT 4: Key Concepts and Terms
Directions: Create note cards for the following topics. Explain their contribution to world history. Use the notecard format explained at the beginning of the year.

Chavin Cult
Lapita
Maya
Mochica
Olmecs
Popul Vuh
Teotihuacan
La Venta
Tikal
Chichen Itza
Mochica
Bloodletting