What is Western Civilization?

Lo1: Define Western Civilization
Lo2: Identifying and locating "The West"
Lo3: Describe characteristics of the modern Western World

Thinking Historically: Characteristics of the Modern Western World

Western Civilization refers to a heritage of social norms, ethical values, traditional customs, belief systems, political systems and specific artifacts and technologies that have some origin or association with Europe.

The West is a geographical area that people categorize based on a countries characteristics.

“The West” (of WHAT????)- Huntington’s Major World Civilizations Map (Post 1990)

1. Canada
2. United States of America
3. Australia
4. Spain
5. Portugal
6. France
7.  Ireland
8. Iceland
9. United Kingdoms
10. Norway
11. Netherlands
12. Belgium
13. Italy
14. Switzerland
15. Germany
16. Austria
17. Poland
18. Sweden
19. Denmark
20. Croatia
21. Czech Republic

Characteristics of the modern Western World are
1. Liberal Democracy- a liberal political form of government in which representative democracy operates under the principles of classical liberation.

2. Economic Liberalism- an economic system organized on individual lines, meaning the greatest possible number of economic decisions are made by individuals or households rather than by collective institutions or organizations. 

3. Christianity- an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

4. Separation of Church and State- The principle that government must maintain an attitude of neutrality toward religion.

5. Progress- the movement towards a refined, improved, or otherwise desired state or, in the context of progressivism, the idea that advancements in technology, science, and social organizations can result in an improved human condition.

6. Human rights and guaranteed civil liberties- Civil liberties are freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution to protect us from tyranny, Human rights are the legal that protect individuals from discrimination.