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This unit portrays China during the Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties. Connections are made between the systems of trade and transportation in China and under the Umayyad and Abbasid Dynasties of the West and Middle East. A second comparison is made between the three religions or philosophies of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. The poetry, scroll painting and calligraphy of China's artists is unequaled and students have a chance to try their hand at all three arts while getting to know more about this culture. Technologically China was in a class by itself. Students make a technology wheel to learn about inventions such as paper making, paper money and checks, gunpowder and had grenades and the magnetic compass. There are two literature selections. One is The World's Great Explorers-Marco Polo which uses primary sources in a charming account of this great adventurer. The other is my favorite literature selection, The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen. With a true sense of the hero's journey and a wonderful sense of humor, Lloyd Alexander teaches the lessons of the heart that we all need to learn. |
