A nation must think before it acts.
Confucianism/Neo-Confucianism
Common Core Standards For ELA-History/Social Studies
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.Rh.11-12.2
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.
MA Social Studies Frameworks
WHI.23 Summarize the major reasons for the continuity of Chinese civilization through the 19th century
A. the role of kinship and Confucianism in maintaining order and hierarchy
Students will be able to:
• Analyze primary sources relating to Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism
• Compare and contrast Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism
• Explain how Neo-Confucianism is manifested in Choson Korea
Day 1 (80 minutes)
• Do Now: Students will review their knowledge of Confucianism from their freshman ancient world history course by writing down what they know about Confucianism. (5 minutes)
• Teacher will scribe on the board as students call out what they remember. Teacher will especially emphasize the five relationships and filial piety. (10 minutes)
• Students will read and analyze primary sources on Confucianism. (20 minutes)
https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/ps/cup/confucius_teacher.pdf
https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/ps/cup/confucius_govt.pdf
• Teacher will give brief lecture on the historical background to Neo-Confucianism in Song China. (15 minutes)
• Students will read and analyze primary sources on Neo-Confucianism in Song China. (20 minutes)
https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/ps/cup/lu_jiuyuan_mind.pdf
https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/ps/cup/zhuxi_nature.pdf
• Exit Ticker: Students will make a Venn diagram comparing Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism. (10 minutes)
Day 2 (80 minutes)
• Do Now: Students will read about the development and application of Neo-Confucianism in Choson Korea. (20 minutes)
https://chosonkorea.org/index.php/confucianism/neo-confucianism-and-choson-kingdom/the-neo-confucian-foundation-of-the-choson
• Teacher will review exit ticket from last class comparing/contrasting Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism and the information on Neo-Confucianism in Choson Korea. (20 minutes)
• Students will read and analyze primary sources on Neo-Confucianism in Choson Korea. (35 minutes)
https://chosonkorea.org/index.php/confucianism/neo-confucianism-and-choson-kingdom/primary-source-king-taejos-founding-edict
Teacher might need to provide further background on King Taejo (see attached article)
https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/ps/korea/hostility_to_buddhism.pdf
• Exit Ticket: Students will explain two ways in which Neo-Confucianism is applied in Choson Korea. (5 minutes)
“Yi dynasty.” World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2015. Web. 16 Oct. 2015.
https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/ps/cup/confucius_teacher.pdf
https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/ps/cup/confucius_govt.pdf
https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/ps/cup/lu_jiuyuan_mind.pdf
https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/ps/cup/zhuxi_nature.pdf
https://chosonkorea.org/index.php/confucianism/neo-confucianism-and-choson-kingdom/the-neo-confucian-foundation-of-the-choson
https://chosonkorea.org/index.php/confucianism/neo-confucianism-and-choson-kingdom/primary-source-king-taejos-founding-edict
https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/ps/korea/hostility_to_buddhism.pdf
ABC-CLIO article on Choson Korea (attached)
Author
- Julie Kuo
- Lexington High School
Related History Institute
Grade Level
- High School: 11, 12
Time Frame
- Two 80-minute classes
If you have any questions about this lesson plan, or if you wish to contact the author, please email us at history@fpri.org