Development and Interaction of Cultures

After studying interactions between humans and their enviornments, we completed a unit of the development and interaction of cultures. The latter mainly included study on world religions, philosophies, and ideologies: in general, belief systems. For example, in AP World History (and, of course, Global) we learned about the ancient belief systems in Asia/the east. These belief systems included Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. Hindus belived in reincarnation, dharma, and karma, as did Buddhism. These two belief systems were similar and grew off of each other. Hinduism stayed in India after it's creation, and though Buddhism started there, it soon spread into China. Also in China were the philosophies of Confucianism, Legalism, and Daoism. Confucianism's dominating effects on China can still be seen today, one example is the Chinese's respect for elders. Also, Legalism left its mark on China by being used in Qin Shaungdi's rule to build the Great Wall of China and the Tomb of the Terracotta Soldiers. In AP World History we learned the many different ways in which countries in which these religions originated. Countries's social structues, hierarchy, gender roles, arts and architechture, culture, and even more were effected and shaped by main religions, which still effect our world today. My class has learned that religion is key in and can effect everything, from daily lifestyles to the world.