Bell Ringer #16 Monday, April 30th Why do you think that present day people in China may feel “ethnocentric” about Chinese culture?

Here is the plan… Students will compare the relationship between Europe and China in the mid 1200’s. Students will know of Marco Polo and his travels. Students will try to figure out items based upon verbal descriptions given by a partner.

Reminder!! We will spend 1 class day working on the Rough Draft of our entire Research paper. Rough Drafts are due on Tuesday 5/8!!!

Review China has a loooooong history of achievement – not the least of being the invention of paper, the building of the Great Wall, and the use of acupuncture.

Marco Polo Marco came from a family of merchants. He was one of the 1 st Europeans to travel to China in the late 1200’s. He wrote extensively about his travels.

First Contact

Gunpowder One item that Marco Polo brought back to Europe was gunpowder. Ironically it was by advancing this military technology that Europeans were later able to dominate the Chinese.

Marc Polo say… In this province live huge snakes and serpents of such a size that no one could help but be amazed even to hear of them. They have two squat legs in front near the head, which have no feet but simply three claws, two small and one bigger. They have enormous heads and eyes so bulging that they are bigger than loaves. Their mouth is big enough to swallow a man at one gulp."

Marco Polo say… They have the hair of a buffalo and feet like an elephant’s. They have a single large, black horn in the middle of the forehead. They do not attack with their horn, but only with their tongue and their knees; for their tongues are furnished with long, sharp spines, so that when they want to do any harm to anyone they first crush him by kneeling upon him and then lacerate him with their tongues."

Marco Polo say… “Let me tell you next of stones that burn like logs.” The stone he said was dug “out of the mountains were it runs in veins.”

Liar, Liar…?

Traditional China The family is the center of activity. Respect for ancestors. Arranged marriages. Decisions are made based upon what is best for the family.

Traditional China Confucianism is based upon the writings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. He wrote about 5 relationships needed to restore order. His relationships were male dominated.

Traditional China Buddhism spread to China along trade routes with India. Buddhism blended with traditional Chinese beliefs. The current Chinese government strictly controls religion.

Here is the plan… Students will compare the relationship between Europe and China in the mid 1200’s. Students will know of Marco Polo and his travels. Students will try to figure out items based upon verbal descriptions given by a partner.