Medieval Japan

History Lesson: 

During this semester-long unit, students learned about Medieval Japanese history, religion, culture, art, and poetry. Through lectures, they heard accounts of the noble classes of Japanese life and learned about authors Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shōnagon. Students heard excerpts of what is considered to be the first modern novel, ‘The Tale of Genji'’ and ‘The Pillow Book.’ They also explored art motifs as they made their own miniatures for their Heian houses and poetry from the ‘Kokinshu.’ To finish off the semester, they learned about the rise of the samurai and the era that ushered in the end of the Heian period.

Arts Skills:

Multi-media construction

Miniatures building and painting

Watercoloring