In this unit students examine the four most influential Chinese philosophical traditions developed during the Zhou period (roughly 6th-3rd centuries B.C.E.). The four philosophies students study include: (1) Confucianism; (2) Mohism; (3) Daoism (Taoism); and (4) Legalism. In three lessons, students compare the ideas of these schools and explore…

This updated set of lesson plans focuses on Confucius and Confucian thought, especially Confucian ethics. The lesson plans are divided into the following chapters: (1) "How do the Analects embody the ethical framework of Confucian thought?"; (2) "How does Confucianism affect behavior, attitudes and beliefs?"; (3) "How did…

This document is a collection of lessons for teaching a unit on ancient Chinese history. The unit focuses on a specific dramatic moment in history from which students can explore the deeper meanings of selected landmark events and their wider context in the great historical narrative. Continuing narrative provides the contest in which the dramatic…

This play, intended for middle school and high school students, uses the historical events of the Macartney mission to China from 1792-94 to illustrate the problems that can occur when different cultures interact. The play describes the first major encounter in which government officials representative of the European Enlightenment come face to…

Tells the story of Tanyangzi, a young visionary and religious teacher in Ming China. Discusses writings relating to her life and teachings. Emphasizes the concern with chastity, publicity, and fictionality as they relate to the male view of female virtue among men of the late Ming period. (DK)

Offers ideas for teaching children about China. Includes suggestions dealing with geography, philosophy, history, and diet. Recommends means of bringing the topics to life through games, class discussion, role playing, and other activities. (SG)

Describes a high school world literature course taught by an instructor from a National Endowment for the Humanities teacher-scholar program studying Chinese literature. Contends that students should learn about Chinese philosophy and value systems if they are to understand Chinese literature. (CFR)

Discusses the relationship between the prominence of themes of the literate gentry woman in Chinese fiction and the rise of women poets. Examines later Japanese fiction to find influences of the woman reader and of earlier Chinese works. Explores the scholar-beauty novels, women as warriors, female martyrdom, and the equating of virtue with…