Ruback 2009-2010

Ancient China
Unit Guide

Unit Essential Question: How has China adapted to change but still maintained its
cultural identity?

Key Questions:
• In what ways is a geographic location important to understanding China?
• In what ways did Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism question society and government?
• How do leaders positively and negatively affect society?
• How did the Silk Road allow ideas, goods, and people to spread?
• How did new ideas and knowledge influence the people and civilization of China?
• What are the deep-seated traditions and enduring legacies that have shaped China?

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

• Locate important physical features, historical sites, and contemporary countries surrounding China
• Define dynastic cycle, mandate of heaven, and bureaucracy
• Examine the role of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism in government and society
• Analyze the way the Silk Road allowed ideas, goods, and people to spread
• Evaluate how innovations to the Tang and Song dynasty influenced China and the rest of the World
• Develop a thesis statement and write an multi-paragraph analytical essay.
• Create a MLA works cited page

Textbook sections (Chapter: section)

River Dynasties in China (2:4) 46-51
An Empire Unifies China (4:4) 97-101
Han Emperors in China (7:3) 181-187
Two Great Dynasties in China (12:1) 287-291