Topic: Escape in revolution. Japan

Target group

7th‑grade students of elementary school

Core curriculum

XXIII. Europe and the world in the second half of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Pupil:

3) explains the causes, extent and consequences of the colonial expansion of European countries in the 19th century;

4) lists new political ideas and cultural phenomena, including the beginnings of mass culture and moral change.

General aim of education

Students learn about the consequences of the colonial expansion of European countries in the nineteenth century - new political ideas and cultural phenomena that appeared in Japan in the second half of the nineteenth century.

Key competences

• communication in foreign languages;

• digital competence;

• learning to learn.

Criteria for success
The student will learn:

• about the new political ideas and cultural phenomena that appeared in Japan in the second half of the nineteenth century;

• the reasons for the Meiji revolution;

• the effects of modernisation in Japan.

Methods/techniques

• expository

  • talk.

• activating

  • discussion.

• programmed

  • with computer;

  • with e‑textbook.

• practical

  • exercices concerned.

Forms of work

• individual activity;

• activity in pairs;

• activity in groups;

• collective activity.

Teaching aids

• e‑textbook;

• notebook and crayons/felt‑tip pens;

• interactive whiteboard, tablets/computers.

Lesson plan overview

Before classes

1. The teacher asks students to read the subsections „Japonia w XIX wieku” and „Stosunki z Europejczykami”.

Introduction

1. The teacher explains the students the purpose of the lesson and the criteria for success.

2. The teacher reminds students of the political and cultural aspects of colonialism. Then, referring to the parts of the e‑textbook, places the phenomenon of modernization of Japan in the row of phenomena of colonial importance.

Realization

1. The teacher asks students to familiarize with the various manifestations of modernization of Japan. Students get acquainted with the map of the Far East in the 19th century and do Task 1, and then they study the timeline accompanying Task 2. They analyze the information contained in the timeline. The purpose of their work is to prepare arguments for the discussion on the Meiji revolution (debate for and against modernization).

2. Then the students do Exercise 1. From among Japanese illustrations they choose those that depict the modernization changes that took place in Japan during the Meiji era.

3. The teacher chooses two students who will conduct a debate on the forum of the class: Modernization of Japan made sense. The third student performs the function of a secretary: he or she measures the time of the participants' speeches, monitors the order of the discussion, allows the willing to speak.

Summary

1. The teacher sums up the debate, adds (if necessary) further conclusions. He settles it in the context of the effects of colonialism. He adds some information about the colonial expansion undertaken by Japan, following the example of Europeans.

2. The teacher assesses the students' work during the lesson, taking into account their input and commitment. Tells students feedback on their work.

Homework

1. The teacher sets homework (it is not an obligatory part of the scenario): he proposes to familiarize with the time capsule.

The following terms and recordings will be used during this lesson

Terms

Texts and recordings

Escape in revolution. Japan

For the majority of the nineteenth century, Japan was a feudal state, reminiscent of social relationships from the Middle Ages in Europe. Since the beginning of the 18th century, America and Europe had tried without success to set up commercial relationships with Japan. One carefully planned American expedition was successful and in 1854 a friendship and trade treaty was signed in Kanagawa. Similar treaties were soon signed by Russia and the Netherlands. In 1868, the transformation of Japanese civilisation began. This became possible thanks to changes in the systme of power. Military rule by provincial princes was abolished. Direct rule by the emperor was restored. The era of „enlightened government” or Meiji, dawned. The rise of modern Japan in the Far East can be compared to the development of powerful nation‑states in Europe and America: the unification of Germany or the restructuring of the United States. China became the first target of colonial activity. It depended most of all on the wealthy Korea, which was under the political influence of China.