Background Information
An Introduction to the Geography of the Persian World and West Asia
Iran’s rich history stretches back to about 8000 BCE, when the first settlements appeared in western Iran and the Caspian sea.
Activity
The Monkey King
Students demonstrate mastery of narrative content and develop vocabulary by supplying words deleted from a text of “The Monkey King” story and through an expository writing activity summarizing the “Monkey King” story. Includes a shadow puppet extension activity.
Background Information
The History of Islamic Calligraphy
The Arabic saying, “Purity of writing is purity of the soul” vividly describes the status of the master calligrapher in Islamic society. It was believed that only a person of spiritual devotion and clear thought could achieve the skill required for this supreme art.
Background Information
Storytelling in Ritual and Performance in Bali
Balinese stories are continually told and retold. Tales such as the Ramayana are mainly spread through storytelling, shadow plays, masked dance, chants, and other theatrical genres. Learn more.
Lesson
Samurai Warrior Codes: Comparing Perspectives from the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo Periods
The term, bushido, is often used to describe the samurai warrior code during medieval and modern times. The definition refers to a late 19th century description and was actually quite different than codes from earlier times. Compare warrior codes from different times with the modern definition of bushido. Then, choose which code you think matches the samurai in the screen painting, the Battles at Ichi-no-tani and Yashima, from The Tale of the Heike.
Lesson
Samurai as Cultivators of the Arts: Poetry, Theater, and Tea
Students will learn the significance of balancing the military and cultural arts and write their own waka poem.
Background Information
Muromachi Period Tea (1338-1573)
During the Muromachi period (1338–1573) the vogue for Chinese art, especially among the Ashikaga shoguns, who ruled as the military leaders of Japan during this period, led to the development of new architectural environments in which to display collections of tea-related objects. Learn more.
Activity
Making a (Katazome) Kimono
Make a (katazome) kimono using this template.
Background Information
Islamic Calligraphy: Materials and Tools
In addition to giving artistic instruction on the art of writing, a teacher of Islamic calligraphy trained a student in how to prepare and use a multitude of materials and tools.