Medieval Japan

Unit Highlights

In this unit, students will analyze primary and secondary sources to understand the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the civilizations of Medieval Japan. Students will be able to:

  • Explain the effect of Japan’s neighbors on its society and how Prince Shotoku improved Japanese Society.

  • Sequence the origin of the Japanese Feudal System and classify its structure.

  • Explain Bushido or the role of Samurai and Samurai's impact on Japan.

  • Classify the new sects of Buddhism in Japan

  • Classify the lasting effects of Japanese arts, literature, and drama.

Flocabulary

Unit Vocabulary

  • Buddhism

  • Bushido

  • Constitution

  • Daimyo

  • Emperor

  • Feudalism

  • Haiku

  • Nichiren Form

  • Noh Drama

  • Prince Shotoku

  • Pure Land Buddhism

  • Samurai

  • Sects

  • The Shingon Sect

  • Shogun

  • Tale of Genji

  • The Tendai Sect

  • Zen Buddhism

Activity 1: Medieval Japan Pre-Test

Using your prior knowledge, brainstorm, list, and/or draw what you know about Medieval Japan in a thinking map. Complete this assignment on the Thinking Maps Learning Community or on paper. You may include:

  • Information you know or kind of know about Medieval Japan.

  • Guesses about Medieval Japan.

  • Questions you have about Medieval Japan.

  • Information you would like to know about Medieval Japan.

  • What comes to mind when you think of Medieval Japan.