Medieval Japan - Heian Period - Fujiwara Clan

Life in Ancient Japan  by Hazel Richardson
Read-aloud: Mysterious Tales of Japan by Rafe Martin

Discussion:
How the Fujiwara clan rose to power
Administrative monopoly
Political intrigue - Sei Shonagun

Activity:
History journal

Medieval Japan - Heian Period - Social Structures

Life in Ancient Japan by Hazel Richardson
Read-aloud: Mysterious Tales of Japan by Rafe Martin

Discussion:
A highly stratified society
Rank and class
Clergy, nobles, commoners, slaves

Activity:
History journal

Medieval Japan - Heian Period - Literature

Life in Ancient Japan by Hazel Richardson
Read-aloud: Mysterious Tales of Japan by Rafe Martin

Discussion:
Invention of the novel - Murasaki Shikibu
Types of poems - Manyoshu (Collection of a Thousand Leaves)
Poetry slam - Sei Shonagun and life in the imperial court

Activity:
History journal
Poetry reading

Medieval Japan - Heian Period - Foundation

Life in Ancient Japan by Hazel Richardson
Japan by Barbara A. Somervill
Read-aloud: Mysterious Tales of Japan by Rafe Martin

Discussion:
Moving the capital from Nara to Heian (Kyoto)
Decline of Chinese influence; increasing imperial isolationist policies
Structure of governance - the capital vs. decentralized rule in the provinces

Activity:
History journal
Map study