Overview of Ancient Chinese Society Lesson

© History Skills
© History Skills

Learning objectives

In this lesson, students will examine the four-occupation social structure of ancient China, exploring how each class was defined by its economic role and how rigid class boundaries affected the everyday experiences of people from the emperor down to the slaves. They will analyse the power relationships between the shi, nong, gong, and shang classes, consider the position of women within this hierarchy, and evaluate the ways in which the mandate of heaven gave the emperor authority over the entire population.Students will have the opportunity to achieve this through choosing their own method of learning, from reading, research, and watching options, as well as the chance to engage in extension activities. This lesson includes a self-marking quiz for students to demonstrate their learning.

How would you like to learn?

Option 1: Readings


Step 1: Download a copy of the reading questions worksheet:

Download
Chinese Society Reading Questions.docx
Microsoft Word Document 28.3 KB

Step 2: Answer the set questions by reading the webpage below:


Option 2: Internet research


Download a copy of the research worksheet and use the internet to complete the tables:

Download
Chinese Society Research.docx
Microsoft Word Document 22.3 KB

Option 3: Watch video


Step 1: Download a copy of the viewing questions worksheet below:

Download
Chinese Society Viewing Worksheet.docx
Microsoft Word Document 22.0 KB

Step 2: Complete the worksheet by watching the following video:

Watch on YouTube


Test your learning



Extension activities



Resources for subscribers