Online Gallery Confucianism Sample Classroom Activities History 1. Discussion Question: In the Analects, Confucius said: The gentleman first practices what he preaches and then preaches what he practices. Briefly explain the meaning of this teaching. Is there a similar expression that we use today? Have students consider real- life examples from history or current events of someone practicing what he/she preaches (or not!). 2. Confucianism played a fundamental role in ensuring the stability of Chinese civilization. Discuss what values and tenets make Confucianism such a stabilizing factor. Have students create a campaign for a political candidate or policy under these values. What would the campaign slogan be? Have them create banners, buttons, or bumper sticker that expresses these Confucian values (verbally or pictorially). Do they bear any resemblance to current campaign slogans? Visual Arts 1. Ask students to bring in a photograph of ancestors or someone who has died in their own families. Use the photographs to draw, paint, or create a mixed- media ancestor portrait of these people. 2. Using traditional ink painting or a medium of your choice, have students illustrate a story or incident that shows an example of filial piety.
Connections to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks Grade 4 Optional Standards for Ancient China 4.5 Identify who Confucius was and describe his writings on good government, codes of proper conduct, and relationships between parent and child, friend and friend, husband and wife, and subject and ruler. 4.7 After visiting a museum, listening to a museum educator in school, or conducting research in the library, describe an animal, person, building, or design depicted in an ancient Chinese work of art. World History I WHI.23 Summarize the major reasons for the continuity of Chinese civilization through the 19 th century. A. the role of kinship and Confucianism in maintaining order and hierarchy B. the political order established by the various dynasties that ruled China C. the role of civil servants/scholars in maintaining a stable political and economic order
Slide Notes Slide 1 (Filial Piety) Filial piety, or respect for one s parents, is one of the most fundamental values of Confucianism. Just as parents are expected to take care of their children, in return, children should respect and obey their parents. This respect includes both looking after one s parents when they reach old age and honoring them with sacrifices after they have died. Looking Question In your opinion, does this photograph present a good example of filial piety? Why or why not? Slide 2 (Ren) The second important value of Confucian thought is ren, which means goodness or treating others with concern and kindness. What is the relationship between the two persons in this sculpture? In what ways does their relationship show an instance of ren? If you were trying to create an image to express the idea of ren, what would you draw or sculpt? Slide 3 (Ritual) The third key value of Confucianism is ritual, or following proper rules of behavior in one s public and private relationships. Rituals were important throughout society, and everyone from the emperor to local rulers, parents, children and servants were expected to respect the rules that applied to his or her position in society. In what ways do this engraving and scroll from the 18 th century indicate that a ritual is occurring? What traditional rituals might they be depicting? (Hint: zoom in!) What is the relationship of the central person in these pictures to the other people in the scenes? How do you know? Slide 4 (Ancestor Worship) Ancestor worship was an important way of showing filial piety or respect for one s parents and other older relatives. It was also one of the most important rituals of traditional China
and was practiced by everyone in society, even the emperor himself. Most people had an altar in their homes where they honored their ancestors with wood tablets or paper bearing their names, photographs and portraits, and gifts of wine and food. Also, they often visited the graves of dead family members and presented offerings there. Identify how each of these objects might have been used in the practice of ancestor worship. How do they help the living express their filial piety to their ancestors? Do you think these objects belonged to ordinary Chinese families? Why or why not? Consider the materials with which they were made. Slide 5 (Confucian Gentleman I) In his book of sayings called The Analects, Confucius described an ideal society in which educated gentlemen maintained peace and order through their moral leadership. Here you see some of the objects that might have been found in the private libraries or studios of the Confucian gentleman. What are these objects? What do they tell us about the skills required of an educated gentleman in traditional China? What skills are required of leaders today in our own society? Make a list of objects that reveal these requirements. Slide 6 (Confucian Gentleman II) Compare these two pictures of Chinese gentlemen, one from the late 16 th century and the other from the late 19 th century. What gentlemanly skills are they practicing? How, if at all, have their activities changed over the three centuries? Can you think of games or other activities in your lives that were also enjoyed by your ancestors of 300 years ago? Slide 7 (Emperor)
In Confucian society, the Chinese emperor was a link between the heavenly universe and the universe of human activity. Though he was understood to be the Son of Heaven, the emperor also was expected to be a responsible ruler and to serve as an example for the people. This scroll was painted by Emperor Huizong, who ruled from 1101-1126 during the Song Dynasty. Find the poem that the emperor added to his painting. Are you surprised that an emperor would spend time painting a scroll and writing poetry? Why or why not? How is Emperor Huizong demonstrating that he, too, is a qualified and educated leader? Why do you think the emperor chose to paint a parakeet perched on the branch of a blossoming apricot tree? If you were the emperor of a dynasty, what would you paint? Slide 8 (Imperial Dragon) The robes, throne, and personal property of the emperor were decorated with images of Chinese dragons. In China, dragons were mighty and all- powerful creatures that represented the forces of change and reproduction in the universe. Zoom onto the center of the Emperor s robe and locate the dragon. How does it differ from images of dragons in Western culture? What qualities or emotions does a Western dragon symbolize? Would this be an appropriate choice for a Western king or queen s clothing? Why or why not?