Medieval Japan: Shoguns and Samurai

Students are introduced to the feudal system of medieval Japan. Then, they explore the role of the shogun and the samurai and they create a diagram that explains the social class system in that era of Japanese history. Finally, they evaluate the Bushido—the value system of the samurai—and reflect on what it means to live an “honorable life” today.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for Medieval Japan: Shoguns and Samurai:

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Overview

In this experience, students are introduced to the feudal system of medieval Japan. Then, they explore the role of the shogun and the samurai and they create a diagram that explains the social class system in that era of Japanese history. Finally, they evaluate the Bushido—the value system of the samurai—and reflect on what it means to live an “honorable life” today.

Objectives

  • Describe the social, political, and economic development of medieval Japan.
  • Explain the role and importance of the shogun and samurai in medieval Japan.


The United States is a relatively young country that has had the same form of government since its founding. But older civilizations have often gone through centuries of different types of government and are very different today from the way they once were. Japan is one such country. In this experience you will learn about the feudal era of Japan during the medieval age.

Objectives

  • Describe the social, political, and economic development of medieval Japan.
  • Explain the role and importance of the shogun and samurai in medieval Japan.


a man, standing

List words or short phrases to describe what you see in the image above. To list more than one, separate your ideas with a comma, like this: carpenter, tuxedo.

Post your answer

Now look at this statue:


sculpture of a man on a horse

Based on both images, what do you think the role of this person is?

Post your answer

Discuss student responses. Most students will recognize that this is a soldier or warrior of some kind—a person ready for battle. Explain that it is a samurai warrior and they will learn more about these warriors in this experience.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in The Medieval World Unit.
Social Studies Middle School Medieval Europe: Geography and Environment
Medieval Europe: Geography and Environment

Medieval Japanese Society and Culture

Classical Japan: Geography and Civilization
Social Studies Middle School Medieval Europe
Medieval Europe

Shoguns and Samurai
Social Studies Middle School Late Middle Ages
The Late Middle Ages
Social Studies Middle School The Role of the Church and the Crusades
The Role of the Church and the Crusades
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