What is Western Civlization?

Lo1: Define western civilization
A term used very broadly to refer 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 term also applies beyond Europe, to countries and cultures whose histories are strongly connected to Europe by immigration, colonization, or influence.
Lo2:Identify "The West"
The West as a geographical area is unclear and undefined. More often a country's ideology is what will be used to categorize it as a Western society.Many parts of the Eastern Roman Empire are considered Western today but were Eastern in the past. Geographically, the "West" of today would include Europe. Since the West is more closely associated with certain characteristics of people and places rather than possessing a geographic location, it is easier to identify Western countries and peoples based on those associative traits.
Lo3:Describe the characteristics of the Modern Western World

Thinking Historically: Characteristics of the Modern Western World

1) Liberal Democracy- Liberal democracy is a liberal political ideology and a form of government in which representative democracy operates under the principles of classical liberalism. 

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

3)Christianity- he religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices.

4)Separation of church and state- The principle that government must maintain an attitude of neutrality toward religion 

5)Progress-forward or onward movement toward a destination.

6)Human Rights and Guaranteed civil liberties- Civil liberties are freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution to protect us from tyranny (think: our freedom of speech), while civil rights are the legal rights that protect individuals from discrimination