Japanese Values in Art and Literature
Grade 12th Grade · Social Studies · 45 min
What's Included
Learning Objective
I can analyze how traditional Japanese values are reflected in specific works of Japanese art and literature.
Warm-Up Video
TED-Ed · 5:00
The Japanese folktale of the selfish scholar - Iseult Gillespie
Guided Notes
3 key concepts
- 1
The scholar sought to purify his mind and body through a personal harae, which involved a pilgrimage to the Hie Shrine.
- 2
Kegare refers to defilement and was considered a major threat to the scholar's spiritual purity, especially association with the sick and deceased.
- 3
The scholar learned that contamination and corruption are different, and true understanding comes from helping others and experiencing one's own journey.
Practice Questions
10 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer
Exit Ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Describe how the Shinto scholar's initial avoidance of 'kegare' and his eventual embrace of helping others reflects traditional Japanese values related to purity, community, and compassion. Provide specific examples from the story to support your answer.”
Teacher Guide
Get the complete package:
- Answer keys for all questions
- Differentiation strategies
- Extension activities
- Printable student handouts
