Foundations of East Asian Culture
Channel: Rueschhoff Teaches
Date: 04/05/2020

This lesson provides an overview of the early history of East Asia and how it has helped shape the region today. 

The dynastic history of China is discussed with a focus on the Xia, Shang, Qin, and Han Dynasties and some of their major achievements including: Chinese writing system, unification of China, Great Wall of China, and the Silk Road.

The influence of the Mongols in Asia is discussed and the technological advancement that enabled their conquest of most of East and Central Asia.

The story of Korea and Japan is also discussed.  Periods in Korea's history reviewed are the Old Choson, 3 Kingdoms, and the New Choson period and the importance of King Sejong the great and his Hall of Worthies.

In Japan, the history provides an overview from the Yamato Clan to the Samurai, to the Shogun, to the opening of Japan to foreign trade.

The lesson concludes with a description of Confucianism and Taoism and the influence of Buddhism and Christianity in the region.

In addition to being offered as a general overview of the world and regional geography of the world, this lesson is specifically designed to meet objectives in the Texas Education Knowledge Standards for the World Geography studies course.