Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the feudal system in Japan during the medieval period, emphasizing the roles of the Emperor, Shogun, Daimyo, and Samurai.

2. To enable students to identify and explain the key features of the feudal system, including the hierarchy, land ownership, and military obligations.

3. To foster critical thinking and analytical skills by challenging students to evaluate the impact of the feudal system on social, political, and economic dynamics in feudal Japan.

   Secondary Objectives:

• To encourage students to explore the influence of the feudal system on modern-day Japanese culture and society.
• To enhance students' research and presentation skills through the flipped classroom methodology.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

1. The teacher begins the lesson by reminding students of the previous lessons on ancient Japan and its cultural and religious aspects. This includes a brief review of the role of the Emperor and the significance of Buddhism and Shintoism in Japanese society.

2. To contextualize the importance of the feudal system, the teacher can remind students of the current day's hierarchical systems, such as the military or corporate structures, or even the social systems in some countries. The teacher emphasizes that understanding the feudal system in Japan can provide insights into the origins of such systems.

3. The teacher then presents two problem situations to stimulate students' curiosity:

   • Problem 1: "Imagine you are a samurai in feudal Japan. Your lord, a daimyo, has ordered you to fight in a war against another daimyo. However, you also have a deep loyalty to the Emperor. What would you do and why?"

   • Problem 2: "You are a poor farmer in feudal Japan. You work hard on the land, but most of the produce goes to your local lord. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this system for you?"

4. The teacher then contextualizes the importance of studying the feudal system in Japan:

   • Context 1: "Understanding feudal Japan can help us appreciate the values and traditions that have shaped modern-day Japan, such as the importance of honor and loyalty."

   • Context 2: "Knowing about the feudal system can also help us understand the dynamics of power and hierarchy in different societies, even in our modern world."

5. To grab students' attention, the teacher can share two interesting facts or stories about feudal Japan:

   • Fact 1: "Did you know that the samurai, the warrior class in feudal Japan, had a code of conduct called Bushido, which emphasized loyalty, honor, and self-discipline? Many of these values still resonate in Japanese culture today."

   • Fact 2: "In feudal Japan, the daimyo (landowners) had to provide military service to the shogun (the military dictator) in exchange for land. This system led to a complex web of alliances and wars, much like a real-life Game of Thrones!"

Development

Pre-Class Activities (10 - 15 minutes)

1. The teacher assigns a brief reading material to students to provide a basic understanding of the feudal system in Japan. This could include sections from a textbook, articles from reputable sources online, or other educational resources. The reading material should cover the four main roles in the feudal system: Emperor, Shogun, Daimyo, and Samurai, and the key aspects of the system, such as the hierarchy, land ownership, and military obligations.

2. After reading the material, students should be directed to answer a set of questions that reinforce the key points of the reading and encourage critical thinking. Sample questions could include:

   • Question 1: "Why was the Emperor at the top of the feudal hierarchy but had little real power?"
   • Question 2: "How did the feudal system in Japan differ from that in medieval Europe?"
   • Question 3: "What were the advantages and disadvantages of being a samurai in feudal Japan?"

3. The students should be instructed to bring their readings and completed questions to the next class to discuss and reinforce their understanding of the feudal system in Japan.

In-Class Activities (20 - 25 minutes)

Activity 1: "Hierarchy Timeline"

1. The teacher divides the students into groups of five and distributes a large sheet of paper and markers to each group.

2. Each group is tasked with creating a timeline of the feudal system in Japan. They start with the Emperor at the top and then add the Shogun, Daimyo, and Samurai, illustrating the hierarchy and the relationships among these four roles.

3. The timeline should also include brief descriptions or symbols that represent the roles and key features of the feudal system.

4. Once the timelines are completed, each group presents their timelines to the class, explaining their choices and justifications.

5. This hands-on activity helps students visualize the feudal system in Japan, understand the hierarchy, and the roles of each class. It also encourages teamwork and communication among the students.

Activity 2: "Samurai Showdown"

1. The teacher introduces a role-playing game to the students called "Samurai Showdown". The students remain in their groups formed for the previous activity.

2. Each group is given a hypothetical situation involving a conflict between different classes of feudal Japan (e.g., a dispute between a Daimyo and a group of Samurai, or a conflict between two Daimyo).

3. The students are assigned roles based on the feudal classes and are tasked with finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict based on their understanding of the feudal system and the roles and responsibilities of each class.

4. The teacher circulates around the room, guiding the discussions, answering questions, and checking for understanding.

5. After the groups have discussed and come up with a resolution, a representative from each group presents their situation and solution to the class.

6. This activity not only deepens the students' understanding of the feudal system but also hones their problem-solving, negotiation, and presentation skills. It also adds a fun and engaging element to the lesson.

At the end of the in-class activities, the teacher leads a brief discussion to recap the key points learned during the activities, and how they connect to the broader understanding of feudal Japan. This helps solidify the knowledge gained and its relevance to the students' studies.

Feedback (8 - 10 minutes)

1. The teacher starts by facilitating a group discussion where each group shares their solutions or conclusions from the "Samurai Showdown" role-playing game. This discussion is an opportunity for students to learn from each other's perspectives and ideas, helping them to appreciate the complexity of the feudal system in Japan.

2. The teacher then assesses the group activities and the solutions presented, providing feedback on the accuracy and relevance of their understanding of the feudal system. The teacher can also highlight any common misconceptions or areas of confusion that emerged during the activities.

3. To encourage reflection, the teacher poses a series of questions for the students to consider and answer either individually or as a group:

   • Question 1: "What was the most important concept you learned about the feudal system in Japan?"
   • Question 2: "What aspects of the feudal system do you find most interesting or surprising? Why?"
   • Question 3: "How do you think the feudal system influenced the culture and society of Japan during that time? Do you see any influences in modern-day Japan?"

4. The teacher then collects these reflections and uses them to gauge the students' understanding of the feudal system and its impact. This feedback will also help the teacher identify any areas that may need to be revisited in future lessons.

5. Finally, the teacher wraps up the lesson by summarizing the key points and transitions to the next topic, ensuring that students are clear on what they have learned and what will be covered in the next class.

This feedback stage is crucial for reinforcing the learning objectives, addressing any lingering questions or misunderstandings, and promoting a deeper understanding of the feudal system in Japan. It also provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning, fostering a more active and engaged learning experience.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. The teacher begins the conclusion by summarizing the main points of the lesson. This includes a recap of the feudal system's key elements in Japan, such as the roles of the Emperor, Shogun, Daimyo, and Samurai, the hierarchy, land ownership, and military obligations. The teacher also recaps the main conclusions from the students' presentations and discussions, reinforcing the students' understanding of the feudal system.

2. The teacher then explains how the lesson connected theory, practice, and applications. The theory was presented through the pre-class reading and the in-class activities, where students were able to visualize and understand the feudal system in Japan. The practice was evident in the hands-on activities, such as creating a hierarchy timeline and participating in the "Samurai Showdown" role-playing game. The applications were discussed throughout the lesson, with students drawing parallels between the feudal system in Japan and modern-day hierarchical systems.

3. To further enhance the students' understanding of the feudal system in Japan, the teacher suggests additional resources for further reading or exploration. This could include documentaries, online interactive resources, or books that delve deeper into the topic. The teacher also encourages students to continue reflecting on the lesson's key questions and to bring any new insights or questions to the next class.

4. The teacher then discusses the importance of understanding the feudal system in Japan for everyday life. The teacher highlights that the feudal system's influence can still be seen in modern-day Japan, particularly in its societal structure and certain cultural values. The teacher also emphasizes that studying feudal Japan can provide valuable insights into the origins and dynamics of hierarchical systems, which are present in many societies and institutions worldwide.

5. Finally, the teacher concludes the lesson by reminding students of the significance of the feudal system in Japan's history and the importance of understanding it in the broader context of world history. The teacher encourages students to continue exploring and learning about different historical periods and civilizations, fostering a lifelong interest in history and its relevance to their lives.

This conclusion stage is crucial for consolidating the knowledge and skills acquired during the lesson, fostering a deeper understanding of the feudal system in Japan, and promoting a broader appreciation of history's importance in our lives.