UCLA Center for East Asian Studies Educational Resources

 Medieval Japan

Grade Level: 7^th

Subject:  Middle Ages

Lesson: The Medieval Japan Portfolio

Duration of Lesson: one week

Goal or Concept to be Developed:  This cross curricular unit will contribute to a better understanding and appreciation of both the historical and cultural aspects of Medieval Japan for the 7^th grade student.

Introduction and Outcomes: At the conclusion of the medieval Japan unit (approx. 4 weeks) students will be required to produce a Medieval Japan portfolio.  The purpose of the portfolio will be to reinforce and better understand the rigors and challenges of daily life in Medieval Japan, as well as stress the importance of arts, learning, and religions of the period.  This self-designed portfolio, somplete with written and illustrated information, will help the students gain a better understanding of Japan between the eighth and sixteenth centuries.

District Aligned Standards Addressed:

1.      #17- Compare and contrast the origin and development of African, Asian, European, and Mesoamerican civilizations.

2.      #19- Explain and demonstrate how geography influences the political, social, and economic growth of a civilization.

3.      #21- Analyze the interrelationship of political, social, and economic development of the ancient, medieval, and early American civilizations.

4.      #23- Gather, identify, question, and evaluate different ideas, values, behaviors, and institutions in order to construct historical interpretations and solutions.

5.      #25- Evaluate how the belief systems of ancient, medieval, and early American societies shaped their respective governments.

Procedures:

1.      Place students in mixed ability groups (pairs for honors and gifted, groups of three to four regular).

2.      Distribute assignment requirements and outline.

3.      Read through requirements and outline.

4.      Students should work on and complete two activities a day.