These activities aim to facilitate a shared understanding of the historical period. They could be included in broader contextual learning activities as part of the ‘Overview of the ancient to modern world’ section, especially relating to the following content descriptions:
- Key features of the medieval world (feudalism, trade routes, voyages of discovery, contact and conflict) (ACOKFH009)
- The emergence of ideas about the world and the place of people in it by the end of the period (such as the Renaissance, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment) (ACOKFH010)
Activities
- The political system in shogunate Japan shared many similarities with the feudal system prevalent in medieval Europe. Have the class define what a feudal system is and what are the basic tenets of a feudal system. Have them compare their findings with a modern form of government and find the similarities and contrasts.
- Japanese history is divided into eras named for the emperors and locations of the government. Ask them if they know of other similar systems in other countries (such as the Victorian era, New Kingdom of ancient Egypt, Ming dynasty China). Have the students discuss why this system may or may not be useful.
- Ask the students to consider that other cultures may use a different calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Why might a different country/religion/culture have a different calendar? Have the students research another calendar and find out what their date of birth might be.
