Qing Dynasty
Wrapping up the year with Emperor Qianlong and then the Opium Wars, the latter years of the Qing Dynasty are a time that sees the isolation of China from the world and the grand finale of China's great dynastic cycle. With the revolution of 1911, Emperor Puyi steps down and the republics begin.
Ming Dynasty & Famous Figures
Beginning with the rebellion led by the man remembered (in part) as "The Ugly Emperor," the Ming Dynasty is another high point in Chinese history. Building The Forbidden City, rebuilding and extending the Great Wall, and sending Zheng He out on his famous 7 sea voyages are but a few of their accomplishments!
This week, we focus on the famous people of Ancient China - without them, many great deeds would have been left undone.
This week, we focus on the famous people of Ancient China - without them, many great deeds would have been left undone.
Yuan Dynasty & Marco Polo
Creating the world's largest empire in history, the Mongols made trade routes safe for people like Marco Polo to come to China. Marco Polo and his adventures made famous the riches of Asia and inspired explorers like Christopher Columbus! And thanks to the efforts of historians and photographers, we were able to join him on his adventure, both imagining what it may have been like for him 750 years ago as well as seeing pictures of some of his destinations today!
The Song Dynasty
We've had some very exciting cultural experiences this past week, studying the height of the Three Perfections (calligraphy, painting & poetry) during the Song Dynasty, and pausing to examine how life in the city contrasts greatly to peasants' lifestyles in the countryside. This week, looked at some dangers to the Song Dynasty - FIRE and MONGOLS!
I've attached a number of maps that may help you get a good feel for exactly what's going on at different times between 907-1279 AD.
Finally, if you'd like to check out the massive panorama of China's Mona Lisa, "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," click on the link below. China Online Museum also has some other great paintings and calligraphy that you can learn more about while you're there!
http://www.chinaonlinemuseum.com/painting-along-the-river.php
I've attached a number of maps that may help you get a good feel for exactly what's going on at different times between 907-1279 AD.
Finally, if you'd like to check out the massive panorama of China's Mona Lisa, "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," click on the link below. China Online Museum also has some other great paintings and calligraphy that you can learn more about while you're there!
http://www.chinaonlinemuseum.com/painting-along-the-river.php
five_dynasties__song_beginnings.pptx | |
File Size: | 719 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
The Tang Dynasty
From the pyramid of government to the great poets, the Tang Dynasty is another golden age of Chinese history. Don't forget the exciting story of Wu Zhao and how she was able to overcome the challenge of her gender to become the only woman to ever rule over China as Holy and Divine Emperor Wu Zetian!
We also discussed Mulan this week; here is the ancient poem that we read in class today, if you'd like to revisit it: http://www.chinapage.com/mulan.html
For those of you interested in the abacus, here are some of the sites we looked at:
Competition - Abacus vs. Calculator: http://www.ee.ryerson.ca/~elf/abacus/abacus-contest.html
Reading the Abacus: http://www.alcula.com/suanpan.php
Addition & Subtraction: http://www.mandarintools.com/abacus.html
We also discussed Mulan this week; here is the ancient poem that we read in class today, if you'd like to revisit it: http://www.chinapage.com/mulan.html
For those of you interested in the abacus, here are some of the sites we looked at:
Competition - Abacus vs. Calculator: http://www.ee.ryerson.ca/~elf/abacus/abacus-contest.html
Reading the Abacus: http://www.alcula.com/suanpan.php
Addition & Subtraction: http://www.mandarintools.com/abacus.html
Three Kingdoms --> Sui Dynasty
The fall of the Han Dynasty brings about another period of violence and chaos. Of course, The Three Kingdoms inspire some great stories as well, as we learned from one of the Four Great Classical Novels, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Much of this period is plots and power changing hands, etc. so we moved quickly on to the reunification of China in the Sui Dynasty!
To review the role of the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the beginning of The Three Kingdoms Period, see the attached file.
To review the role of the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the beginning of The Three Kingdoms Period, see the attached file.
yellow_turban_rebellion.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Buddhism
Following the life of Siddhartha, we will explore some of the main ideas of Buddhism, which was introduced to China via the Silk Road during the 1st century A.D., and has been a major religion as well as a big part of Chinese culture ever since!
Origins of Buddhism: Siddhartha's Story - see the link below
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/001bio.htm
Dharma, 4 Noble Truths & the Eightfold Path:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/pbs2_unit04.htm
Origins of Buddhism: Siddhartha's Story - see the link below
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/001bio.htm
Dharma, 4 Noble Truths & the Eightfold Path:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/pbs2_unit04.htm
Han Dynasty & The Silk Road
Shortly after Liu Bang ascends the throne as the first emperor after the Han Dynasty, Emperor Wudi sends Zhang Qian out on his famous expedition into the wilderness, which opens up a whole new world for China! Silk is traded for Heavenly Horses along with many other riches, and China's economy booms!
I'm attaching some Silk Road maps and pictures for you to examine as well as the links to the Silk Road Fables and Music so that you can enjoy the Silk Road culture whenever you'd like!
Silk Road Fables: http://www.amnh.org/ology/features/silkroadfables/video.php
Silk Road Music: http://www.amnh.org/ology/features/silkroadmusic/music.php
I'm attaching some Silk Road maps and pictures for you to examine as well as the links to the Silk Road Fables and Music so that you can enjoy the Silk Road culture whenever you'd like!
Silk Road Fables: http://www.amnh.org/ology/features/silkroadfables/video.php
Silk Road Music: http://www.amnh.org/ology/features/silkroadmusic/music.php
The First Emperor
The first emperor of China, Shihuangdi, is known for both great and terrible things. Leaving the terra cotta warriors behind, he also made many important contributions to China, including the building of the first Great Wall! And I know that you are grateful he chose the dragon as his symbol, of course!
He's also known for being a cruel ruler; aside from the harsh punishments of legalism, the burning of the books and burying of the scholars is one of the most infamous events in Chinese history.
Below is a dragons PPT on the different types of dragons as they are connected to the 5 elements of nature :).
He's also known for being a cruel ruler; aside from the harsh punishments of legalism, the burning of the books and burying of the scholars is one of the most infamous events in Chinese history.
Below is a dragons PPT on the different types of dragons as they are connected to the 5 elements of nature :).
dragons.ppt | |
File Size: | 433 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Warring States Period
A time of chaos, this period of China's history saw the invention of the crossbow as well as some extremely influential thought on the importance and strategy on fighting wars victoriously. For those who are interested in learning more about Sunzi and The Art of Warfare, check out http://suntzusaid.com/
Attached below are a few Warring States Maps. The second map has the dates that the state of Qin conquered the other states to create a unified Qin(a)! :)
Attached below are a few Warring States Maps. The second map has the dates that the state of Qin conquered the other states to create a unified Qin(a)! :)
maps_of_wsp.pptx | |
File Size: | 965 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Confucianism & Daoism
Two philosophies have made a huge impact on Chinese thought, culture, and actions in their daily life: Confucianism and Daoism. Both are born out of the disorder and chaos found in the latter part of the Zhou Dynasty.
We will explore both Confucianism and Daoism: what are they? How do they change people's thoughts and lives?
Here is a link to some famous proverbs from around the world:
http://www.famous-proverbs.com/
If you are interested in a closer look at Lun Yu (a.k.a. The Analects), follow this link: http://www.confucius.org/lunyu/ed0102.htm
If you want to study the Dao De Jing (Way and Power Classic), see either of the following links: http://www.chinapage.com/gnl.html#81 OR http://daodejing.me/
We will explore both Confucianism and Daoism: what are they? How do they change people's thoughts and lives?
Here is a link to some famous proverbs from around the world:
http://www.famous-proverbs.com/
If you are interested in a closer look at Lun Yu (a.k.a. The Analects), follow this link: http://www.confucius.org/lunyu/ed0102.htm
If you want to study the Dao De Jing (Way and Power Classic), see either of the following links: http://www.chinapage.com/gnl.html#81 OR http://daodejing.me/
Intro to Dynasties & The Shang
Now knowing what dynasties are, it was time to discover some of the most important aspects of China's first dynasty for which we have solid historical evidence: The Shang. Of course, that includes oracle bones, bronze, and the afterlife. And don't forget that all emperors rule by right of the Mandate of Heaven. But if they were to lose the Mandate of Heaven...make way for the next dynasty!
I am posting some resources for you to examine how the original Chinese characters compare with today's Chinese characters. In addition, you can see some pictures & details about oracle bones here as well.
http://history.cultural-china.com/en/51H2941H11098.html
http://history.cultural-china.com/en/51History2941.html
Finally, attached below is our in-class exercise to help you think about comparing and contrasting your beliefs about the afterlife with those of the Shang Dynasty
I am posting some resources for you to examine how the original Chinese characters compare with today's Chinese characters. In addition, you can see some pictures & details about oracle bones here as well.
http://history.cultural-china.com/en/51H2941H11098.html
http://history.cultural-china.com/en/51History2941.html
Finally, attached below is our in-class exercise to help you think about comparing and contrasting your beliefs about the afterlife with those of the Shang Dynasty
shang_dynasty_-_afterlife.ppt | |
File Size: | 55 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Ancient China: Beginnings of Civilization
We began our study of Ancient China this week with how geography affected the development of early Chinese civilization. We then moved on to the types of societies people formed - farmers, hunter/gatherers, and nomads. Finally, we took the opportunity to act out some of China's very interesting Ancient Myths & Legends! (see project)