1. Unit 3B: Japan Creating a Distinctive Civilization
AP World History
Mr. Sularz
Summit High School
Unit 3B: Decentralized States

2. Task
Read pp of World Civilizations, pp / of Earth & Its Peoples, and pp / of the Human Record Vol. 1.
Prepare responses to following set of questions for a class Socratic Seminar discussion about Japan during this period.

3. Topic #1 - Japan’s Geography: An Island Nation
Question #1:
What has been the impact of geography on the development of Japan?

4. Topic #2 - Selective Borrowing A Unique Japanese Trait
The following is a list of factors contributing to the willingness of one culture to borrow from another.
Ease of communication and transportation between cultures
Exposure to another culture through war, conquest, or migration
Prestige of another culture
Usefulness of the ideas or practices of another culture
Appeal or attractiveness of another culture

5. Selective Borrowing Questions
Which of the five factors was probably the most important in the selective borrowing by the Japanese of Chinese culture? Explain.
Question #3:
What were the top three things the Japanese borrowed from the Chinese? Why did they take each one?

6. Topic #3 - Political Developments of Japan
Question #4:
How is the development of Japanese rulers as Emperors part political shrewdness and part mythology? Explain.

7. Attempts at Centralization
Question #5:
Identify and explain two examples of political resistance to the authority of the Japanese Emperor? Explain.
Question #6:
What are the unique aspects of Japanese court life during the Heian period (identify 3) & how would you assess its impact on Japan? Explain by discussing 2 different ways.

8. Decentralized Rule Question #7:
Summarize how Imperial rule broke down and was replaced by the rule of Shoguns? Explain by identifying key figures, individuals and/or groups of people.

9. Topic #4: Japanese Feudalism
Question #8:
Compare Japanese & western European feudalism. In your response consider 3 major similarities & 3 major differences.

10. Topic #5: Japanese Cultural Development
Question #9:
What are the unique characteristics/principles of Japanese art & architecture? What impact did Shintoism & Zen Buddhism play in the creation of art & architecture?