Contextualization

Welcome to an exciting journey into the history of Feudal Japan! This captivating period dates back to 1185 AD and lasted for over six centuries. The Feudal era was characterized by a decentralized power structure, with local warlords known as daimyo ruling over their territories. These daimyo, in turn, pledged their loyalty to the central power, the Shogun. This intricate social and political system, known as the Feudal system, was the backbone of Japanese society during this period.

The Feudal system was not just an abstract concept but a way of life that influenced every aspect of Japanese society. From the economy, where farming became the most important occupation, to the arts, where literature, theater, and visual arts thrived, the Feudal period in Japan was a time of immense cultural growth and change.

This project aims to delve into this fascinating period of Japanese history, exploring the Feudal system, the role of samurai and daimyo, the cultural developments of the time, and the eventual decline of the system. The knowledge gained from this endeavor will not only enhance your understanding of this period but also provide a lens into the evolution of modern Japan and its culture.

To begin your exploration, use the following resources:

1. The Samurai Archives - This comprehensive website provides a wealth of information on various aspects of Feudal Japan, including detailed articles, timelines, and biographies.
2. Book: "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu - This ancient Chinese military treatise has significant influence on the samurai culture of Feudal Japan.
3. YouTube: Crash Course – The Samurai - This video series offers an engaging and accessible overview of the topic.
4. Book: "Japan: A Documentary History" by David J. Lu - This book provides primary source materials and excerpts from various periods of Japanese history, including the Feudal era.
5. The British Museum: Feudal Japan - This digital collection showcases artifacts from the Feudal period, giving a visual representation of its material culture.

As you embark on this project, remember that the goal is not just to gather information, but to understand and critically analyze the complexities and interconnections of the Feudal period. This understanding will be the foundation of your project, which will require collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills to complete successfully.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Feudal Japan: The Power of the Samurai and Daimyo"

Objective of the Project:

The objective of this project is to create a comprehensive and interactive "Time Traveler's Guide" to Feudal Japan. This guide will explore the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of the era, with a particular focus on the roles of the samurai and daimyo. The project will not only enhance your understanding of Feudal Japan but also develop your research, collaboration, communication, and creative skills.

Detailed Description of the Project:

In groups of 3 to 5, you will create a "Time Traveler's Guide" to Feudal Japan. This guide should be a culmination of your research and understanding of the Feudal period. It should include a detailed exploration of the social structure (including the role of the samurai and daimyo), the political system, the economy, and the culture of the time.

The guide should be presented in an engaging and interactive format, such as a website, a digital book, or a physical exhibit. It should include:

1. An interactive map of Japan, highlighting the major daimyo territories and their relationships with the Shogun.
2. Biographies of famous samurai and daimyo, highlighting their contributions and influence on the Feudal period.
3. A section on the economy, detailing the agricultural practices, trade, and currency of the time.
4. A section on the arts, showcasing the development of literature, theater, and visual arts during this period.
5. A timeline of key events in Feudal Japan, with a focus on significant political, social, and cultural changes.
6. A glossary of key terms related to Feudal Japan.

You are encouraged to use multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio to enhance your guide and make it more engaging. However, remember to cite your sources properly.

Necessary Materials:

• Internet access for research.
• A computer with the necessary software to create the chosen interactive format (website builder, digital book creator, etc.).
• Creative materials for physical exhibits (poster boards, markers, images, etc.).
• Access to a printer, if necessary.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Planning (3 hours): As a group, decide on the format for your "Time Traveler's Guide" and divide the sections among yourselves. Each member should take responsibility for researching and creating content for at least one section.

2. Research (6-8 hours): Use the provided resources and any additional credible sources to research your assigned topics. Take detailed notes and save all your sources for future reference.

3. Creation (5-7 hours): Begin creating your guide. Remember to include all the required sections and multimedia elements. Work collaboratively, sharing your research findings and helping each other when needed.

4. Review and Revision (2-3 hours): Once your guide is complete, review it as a group. Make sure all the information is accurate and all sections are well-organized and visually appealing. Revise any sections that need improvement.

5. Presentation and Peer Review (1 hour): Each group will present their guide to the class. After each presentation, there will be a brief Q&A session where other students can ask questions and provide feedback. Take note of the feedback for the final revision of your guide.

6. Final Revision (1 hour): Make any necessary changes based on the feedback received during the presentations.

7. Submission (30 minutes): Submit your completed "Time Traveler's Guide" and a detailed report of your project. The report should include the following sections:

   • Introduction: Contextualize the theme, its relevance, real-world application, and the objective of this project.
   • Development: Detail the theory behind the project, explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and present and discuss the obtained results.
   • Conclusion: Revisit the project's main points, explicitly state the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about the project.
   • Bibliography: Indicate the sources you relied on to work on the project such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

By the end of this project, you will not only have a deeper understanding of Feudal Japan but also a tangible creation that can be used to educate others about this fascinating period in history. Good luck, time travelers!