What was early Chinese history like? What are common themes in Chinese history?

What major belief systems developed in China that influenced its culture and history?

What were the achievements of the Ming Dynasty? What policies did Ming emperors implement that impacted China the most?

How did Ming emperors respond to Europeans who came to their shores? What did Europeans think of China?

How was the Qing dynasty similar to and different from the Ming dynasty?

How did Japan's geographic location affect the development of Japanese history and culture? What role did the samurai class play in medieval Japan?

What changes took place in Japan after its political unification? How would you describe life in Tokugawa Japan? How effective was the Tokugawa's rule over Japan?

Timeline, maps, study guide, etc.