Unit 9

Unit 9 brings us to Ancient China, the last of our four river valley civilizations.  In this unit, we will learn how the geographic isolation of this region led to the development of a unique and introspective culture.  We will also explore how China eventually  began interacting with other cultures, and how that interaction led to cultural diffusion.  One of the most important trade routes in history, the Silk Road, was a key feature of China's culture.

Unit 9 Guiding Questions

• • How did China's geographic isolation affect its development?

  • How was China similar to (and different from) the other river valley civilizations?

  • What effect did the philosophies of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism have on China's culture?

  • How did key figures such as Emperor Qin Shuangdi influence Chinese civilization? 

  • Why did the Chinese governmental structure dramatically increase in size as China's borders grew?

  • How was China's social structure unique from other cultures?

  • What effect did the Silk Road have on China's social, political, and economic development?

Assessments in this unit:

• • Unit 9 Test

  • Frankenstein Civilization Project

  • Homework 

  • Quizzes