Ancient Chinese Civilization

1. CHAPTER 4 Ancient Chinese Civilization Section 1: Geographic and Cultural Influences Section 2: The Shang Dynasty Section 3: The Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties Section 4: Philosophies of Ancient China Section 5: Chinese Life and Culture

2. Section 1: Geographic and Cultural Influences Objectives: • Explore the role that rivers played in Chinese life. • Investigate how geography influenced the development of Chinese culture.

3. Section 1: Geographic and Cultural Influences The Physical Setting • Different regions • The rivers of China – Huang, Chang, Xi

4. Section 1: Geographic and Cultural Influences China’s Isolation • Zhongguo (Middle Kingdom) • Lack of contact with foreigners

5. Section 2: The Shang Dynasty Objectives: • Examine how the Chinese explained their early history. • Describe how the Shang government and economy were organized. • Identify the religious beliefs held by the Shang. • Explain why the Shang dynasty collapsed.

6. Section 2: The Shang Dynasty Legends of Ancient China • Pangu – first man, created universe • Yu – drained floodwaters • Xia – line of kings • Tang – a Shang leader

7. Section 2: The Shang Dynasty Government and Culture • Economy and handicrafts – agriculture, artisans • Astronomy and the calendar

8. Section 2: The Shang Dynasty Religion in the Shang Period • Animism • Festivals • Shangdi • Priests tried to predict the future using oracle bones

9. Section 2: The Shang Dynasty Language and Writing • Ideographs • Calligraphy

10. Section 2: The Shang Dynasty Fall of the Shang Dynasty • Battles with neighboring states • Zhou

11. Section 3: The Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties Objectives: • Explain why the Zhou fell from power. • Describe how the Qin dynasty used power to maintain its authority. • Identify the achievements of the Han emperors.

12. Section 3: The Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties The Zhou Dynasty • “Mandate of Heaven” • Attacks by outsiders • Fighting within

13. Section 3: The Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties The Qin Dynasty • Autocracy • Great Wall of China

14. Section 3: The Zhou, Qin, and Han Dynasties The Han Dynasty • The civil service system • Other accomplishments – leveling, Silk Road

15. Section 4: Philosophies of Ancient China Objectives: • Examine why the Chinese valued the concept of balance. • Explore what the Chinese philosopher Confucius taught. • Analyze how Daoism and Confucianism worked together in Chinese society. • Investigate how beliefs such as Legalism and Buddhism influenced Chinese history.

16. Section 4: Philosophies of Ancient China Ancient Chinese Beliefs • Yin • Yang • Balance is normal condition

17. Section 4: Philosophies of Ancient China Confucius and Laozi • Confucianism – strong but moral government • Daoism – nature, harmony, balance

18. Section 4: Philosophies of Ancient China Legalism and Buddhism • Legalism in practice – balance between Legalism and Buddhism • Buddhism in China – universal charity and compassion

19. Section 5: Chinese Life and Culture Objectives: • Explain why the family was a central institution in Chinese society. • Describe how farmers lived in ancient China. • Identify the artistic and scientific achievements of the Chinese.

20. Section 5: Chinese Life and Culture Family and Social Life • Genealogy • Women had few rights and powers • Great respect for mothers

21. Section 5: Chinese Life and Culture The Economy • Small village farmers • Qin dynasty standardized currency, weights, and measures

22. Section 5: Chinese Life and Culture Arts and Sciences • The Five Classics – used to train scholars and civil servants • Science and technology – astronomy, seismography, clocks, acupuncture, paper-making, and printing