Class: World Cultures - Literature/History
Unit Title: Tale of the Heike - Book 5
Lesson Title: The Beginning of the Fall of the Heike
Time Allotment: 3 class periods (40-50 minute periods)
Objectives: Students will…
Essential Question/Big Idea:
What are are the literary devices used throughout Book 5 and how do they aid in telling the story of the Heike?
Vocabulary:
Symbols:
Materials & Resources:
Instructional Procedures/Activities:
Overview:
Unit summary: The reading for Book 5 will be split into three sections of Episodes 1-6, 7-10, 11-12 with a reading comprehension worksheet being assigned for each section. The lectures for the Unit: Book 5 will focus on these three topics: (a) the different ways foreshadowing is used to show the unfortunate fate of the Taira clan; (b) Mongaku and the framing device that surrounds his story; (c) The morale and its effect on the capital move and the battle at Fuji River.
Lesson summary: The lesson on Day One will focus on topic (c), with the main focus being on the precedent of the move and why the court is reluctant to move the capital. Discussions for this lesson will include how tone is set for the beginning of Book 5. The next lesson will be about (b) and his role in giving Minamoto no Yoritomo the idea to take on the Taira clan. Finally, last lesson will focus on the unsuccessful battle at the Fuji River and representation of fire at the end of the book with the Nara temples catching fire. Additional discussion and review can be implemented if more time is allowed.
Lesson: The Beginning of the Fall of the Heike
Lesson One/Day One:
The students will go over any assignments and questions from episodes 1-6 and 7-10 before moving on to episodes 11-14. Students will be given for a study guide for the entire book to help them along with reading and make sure they will have read the chapters. Day One will be a review of the 1-6 only.
Lesson Two/Day Two:
There will be a short discussion regarding the homework assignment from the previous lesson. Using student responses, the instructor will guide discussion of the literary devices reviewed from Day One. Day two will entail students taking a closer look at What Mongaku’s three episode storyline. will be guided to these conclusions:
A close reading of Episode 9 and 10 is necessary to come to these conclusions. More time may be devoted to this discussion on Day Three. Students will be asked to think about any more reasons why Mongaku is such an important part of Book 5.
Lesson Three/Day Three:
More discussion about Mongaku from the previous lesson day if necessary. Day Three will be about how the foreshadowing from Day One and how Mongaku being a foreshadow himself that leads to the Fuji River battle being unsuccessful for the Taira clan, and what the burning of the temples means for the Taira clan. Some topics to guide discussion and lead students to conclusions include:
Assessment – Formative & Summative:
Informally, instructor will gage student comprehension through response to questions posed throughout lecture. Formal assessment will be conducted with interactive reading quizzes as well as a comprehensive exam.
Closure/Follow-Up/Homework:
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the wealth of information on the web resource published by the class of Dr. Elizabeth Oyler, which offers maps, additional images, research tips, links to other sites, a glossary, episodes summaries, interactive activities, essays, and other pertinent information.