You are a scholar who has been ordered by a newly appointed monarch to examine the

feudal systems of medieval Japan and Europe, and to then determine which of the two

systems would be the best model for his new kingdom. You will be required to write

updates periodically to the king, reporting your findings. You must be sure to be clear

and detailed in your analysis, as you don’t want to lose your head or be burned at the

stake.

Student Challenge: Gather and summarize information regarding the feudal systems of

medieval Japan and Europe.

Student Role: Scholar researching medieval Japan and Europe feudal system

Audience: Monarch who needs help deciding on the ideal model for a new kingdom (and he decides if you should keep or lose your head) 

Task 1:

Students will design a feudal hierarchy for Medieval Japan and Europe. The student will

then write a letter to the monarch explaining the feudal hierarchy of each civilization.

Scenario: After arriving in Europe from Japan, you receive a letter from your new monarch demanding an update on your findings about the two feudal systems. To fulfill your obligation you write him a letter explaining the different social classes in the feudal hierarchy, and how the relationships among these classes provided the basis of l society in both Japan and Europe. In order to make your findings more clear, you include a visual to complement the information you have provided in your letter.

In the letter you must express your opinion on which system you believe is better as well as explaining the differences and similarities between each feudal system.

Task 1 Student Directions: Visual Hierarchy: Design a visual representation of the hierarchy in medieval Japan and Europe. Each level of the feudal hierarchy must have a symbol to represent the roles and responsibilities of the class level. Each level should also have a picture to represent the living conditions/daily life of that class.

Letter: Then use the feudal hierarchy visuals to compose a letter to the monarch, explaining your opinion and the variations between the two civilizations. You must cite 2 pieces of textual evidence to support your analysis of both Japan and Europe’s feudal hierarchy (one piece of evidence for each society). 

recent letter shows he is extremely pleased with your work. However you must now

illustrate how their respective faiths influence their feudal system. You must clearly

demonstrate the differences between Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity and their impacts

on their societies.

Title: Religion’s place in feudalism

Product: Students will create a graphic illustrating knowledge of Christianity, Shinto, and

Buddhism. (Comparative Input Chart, Poster, Foldable, etc.) They will then write the new

monarch a final letter that provides a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the three

religions.

Task 3 Student Directions:

Pictorial:

You will create pictorials demonstrating knowledge of the three types of religion (Shinto,

Buddhism, and Christianity). Be sure to include:

Shinto:

1. Animism

2. shrines

Buddhism:

1. Pure Land Buddhism:

2. Zen Buddhism: meditation, martial arts

3. Buddhist temples

Christianity:

1. Monasteries

2. Monks/Missionaries

3. Concordat of Worms

4. Religious orders

5. Inquisition

6. Role in daily life: mass, feast days, Letter: Then use the pictorial to compose a letter to the monarch, explaining your analysis of the three religions. You must cite 2 pieces of textual evidence to support your analysis of both Japan and Europe’s religions (one piece of evidence for each society).

journey at sea you compiled a report for the monarch, which clearly outlines the ideal

model for the new kingdom, and provides evidence regarding the recommended feudal

hierarchy, warrior, and religion.

Title: Final Findings

Product:

Part A – Each student will collaborate with group members to complete a Process Grid.

Part B – Each student will use the Process Grid and other work from the unit to write an

Argumentative essay, providing a claim, evidence to support their claim, a

counterargument, and concluding statement.

Task 4 Student Directions:

Part A: Work with your group to complete the process grid; use any resources you have

access to.

You will use the process grid to complete your argumentative essay.

Part B: You must write an argumentative essay, explaining to the monarch which feudal

hierarchy is best for his new kingdom.

The essay must include:

* Clearly stated claim

* Evidence to support the claim

* An alternate or opposing claim

* Evidence must be logical and relevant

* Cite credible sources

* Concluding paragraph

* Restate claim

* Call to action

Use the following graphic organizer before writing your essay.

Be sure to discuss the following information in your essay:

* Leadership

* Nobles

* Warriors

* Other classes

* Religion

* Geography

* Decline of Feudalism