Japan

Medieval Japan

Students will analyze the importance of the influence of surrounding countries on the creation of Japanese medieval society as well as taking an in-depth look at the Feudal system in Japan. Students will also determine the achievements of medieval Japan during its golden age.

Big Idea: New civilizations are an evolution of previous civilizations.

Essential Questions: How did Chinese culture, ideas, and technologies and Buddhism influence Japan? What influence did samurai customs and values have on the government and society of medieval Japan?

Medieval Japan Standards:

- Importance of the influence of surrounding countries on the creation of Japanese medieval society
  - Standard 7.5.1 - Describe the significance of Japan’s proximity to China and Korea and the intellectual, linguistic, religious, and philosophical influence of those countries on Japan.
- Japanese feudal system - the different classes and levels of responsibilities
  - Standard 7.5.3 - Describe the values, social customs, and traditions prescribed by the lord-vassal system consisting of shogun, daimyo, and samurai and the lasting influence of the warrior code in the twentieth century.
  - Standard 7.5.6 - Analyze the rise of a military society in the late twelfth century and the role of the samurai in that society.
- Golden Age of Japan and the achievements of medieval Japanese society
  - Standard 7.5.5 - Study the ninth and tenth centuries’ golden age of literature, art, and drama and its lasting effects on culture today, including Murasaki Shikibu’s Tale of Genji.