East Asia

East Asian Geography

In this first cluster of the East Asia unit, students discover the distinctive geographic and environmental features of this region. Students at this point have had exposure to various geographical terms and approaches for over a year of social studies; the East Asia lessons offer opportunities for them to apply some of their geographical skills as they make inferences from maps. They also identify how human-environment interactions work as a two-way process—a concept familiar from Unit 1. A theme running through the lessons is how to think critically about sources such as maps, considering their usefulness in answering inquiry questions.

Bronze Age China

Cluster 2 focuses on the early history of China in the Bronze Age. For much of this period, the existence of written texts and the continual archaeological discovery of artifacts offer a window into the lives and ideas of early people. Cluster 2 focuses on the concerns and contributions of Bronze Age China, in which students address the Supporting Question: What can different kinds of sources tell us about people’s beliefs and practices in early China? Lessons throughout the cluster highlight the skills of historical source analysis.

In-Depth Inquiry: Qin Shi Huangdi’s Projects

In Cluster 3 students will continue focusing on early China history by exploring political philosophy and exploring the actions of the self-declared “First Emperor of Qin.” They will engage in an In-Depth Inquiry to address the question: Were Qin Shi Huangdi’s projects worth the cost? Students answer this question by reading source materials and considering the political approach and priorities of the First Emperor of Qin and later dynasties.

Early China: Foundational Belief Systems and Innovations

Cluster 4 is the last of the three clusters focused on early China history. This cluster looks at foundational belief systems and innovations, asking What were the foundational belief systems and innovations of China, and why did they spread across the region? The core ethical ideas of Confucianism and Buddhism are each introduced here, as well as why they spread across the region of East Asia.

Early Korea and Japan

Cluster 5 focuses on how internal and external influences impacted early Korea and Japan’s beliefs and practices. Students first explore influences on Korean identity. Then students will delve into features that made Korea’s Three Kingdoms—Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla—distinctive, as well as what they shared in common. Students then turn their attention to Japan. They explore indigenous Japanese and Shinto beliefs, and then Japanese missions to China. These missions highlight how the Japanese both learned from Chinese methods and modified them to best fit their culture and society.