western civ

Watch the following videos and provide answers to each question.  Your answers to each question should be one to two paragraphs long.  

You can copy and paste these web addresses into your search bar or click below for direct links. 

http://www.ted.com/talks/yuval_noah_harari_what_explains_the_rise_of_humans

http://www.ted.com/talks/zeresenay_alemseged_looks_for_humanity_s_roots

Questions: 

1. Harari sets out to answer the question "what explains the rise of humans?"  What conclusions does he make about that question?  Did you find his explanation convincing?  Why or why not? Your answer should be 3-4 sentences long and is worth 5 points. 

2. Alemseged is a paleoanthropologist.  Based on his talk, what do you think paleoanthropologists do?  What are the challenges they face in their work?  Why is their work important?  Your answer should be 3-4 sentences long and is worth 5 points. 

3. Alemseged is searching for the roots of humanity.  Why is that such an important question?  What conclusions does he come to through his research?  Do you find his conclusions convincing?  Why or why not?  Your answer should be 5-6 sentences long and is worth 10 points. 

https://www.ted.com/talks/yuval_noah_harari_what_explains_the_rise_of_humans

https://www.ted.com/talks/zeresenay_alemseged_the_search_for_humanity_s_roots