Study Guide: Sociocultural Evolution

Readings:

Diamond: Chapters 6 & 7

Nolan & Lenski: Chapter 3 & 4

Presentations:

Neolithic Revolution

Sociocultural Evolution


Glossary:

adaptation socialization causation
conflict theory cultural lag cultural materialism
cultural universals differentiation diffusion
doubling time ecology economy
environmentalism fundamental innovations evolution
functionalism idealist idiographic
infant mortality rates intensification Malthusianism
industrial era materialism intersocietal selection
primary needs invention migration
multilinear evolution social disintegration scientific method
Social Darwinism social evolution autocatalytic process


Essays:

On your next exam you will be asked to demonstrate that you have read and mastered the course material.  You should take the time now to answer the following essay questions to create your study guide for that exam. Address the questions fully and completely in your own words and voice. Prepare your answers now. 

  1. According to Nolan & Lenski, what forces are promoting sociocultural continuity?

  2. According to Diamond, how did food production evolve?

  3. Compare and contrast Nolan & Lenski on the intersocietal selection process with Diamond's view.

Short Answers:

The following short answer questions are from your readings and may well appear on your next exam. Each can be answered with a short paragraph of three or four sentences; please use your own words and voice. You are encouraged to answer these questions now to create your study guide for that exam.

  1. Distinguish between intrasocietal selection and intersocietal selection.

  2. According to Nolan & Lenski, what is the role of subsistence technology in sociocultural evolution?

  3. According to Nolan & Lenski, what is the role of ideology in sociocultural evolution?

  4. According to Nolan & Lenski, how do the processes of biological and sociocultural evolution differ?

  5. According to Nolan & Lenski, what forces are promoting sociocultural change?

  6. What is the basis of the typology of human societies presented by Nolan & Lenski?

  7. What is the relationship between this typology and history?

  8. According to Nolan & Lenski, how does subsistence technology set limits on what is possible in a society?

  9. What is technological determinism?

  10. According to Diamond, how does plant domestication occur?

  11. Why are some wild plants easier to domesticate than others?

  12. How do you make an almond?

Demonstrations, Illustrations, & Examples:

Guns, Germs, and Steel:

 

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