Medieval Art and the Church
Examining the role of the Church in medieval art, including illuminated manuscripts, Gothic cathedrals, and stained glass.
Key Questions
- How did the Christian Church influence the subject matter and style of medieval art?
- Explain the symbolic significance of light and color in Gothic cathedral architecture.
- Analyze how illuminated manuscripts served both religious and artistic purposes.
Common Core State Standards
About This Topic
The Qin Dynasty, though short-lived, was the first to truly unify China under a single emperor, Shi Huangdi. This topic explores his use of Legalist principles to end the Warring States period and his massive projects to standardize China, including a single currency, a uniform writing system, and standardized weights and measures. Students also investigate the construction of the Great Wall and the incredible Terracotta Army.
This unit aligns with history and civics standards by examining the tension between a leader's achievements and their methods. Students analyze whether Shi Huangdi's contributions to China's unity outweigh his reputation as a cruel tyrant who burned books and buried scholars alive. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation as they 'put the Emperor on trial' for his actions.
Active Learning Ideas
Mock Trial: The Case of Shi Huangdi
The class holds a trial for the First Emperor. One side argues he was a 'Visionary Unifier' (citing the Great Wall and standards), while the other argues he was a 'Cruel Tyrant' (citing forced labor and book burning).
Inquiry Circle: Standardizing China
Groups are given 'mismatched' items (different 'money,' different 'rulers,' different 'scripts'). They must try to 'trade' or 'build' something and then explain why Shi Huangdi's standardization made life easier for the empire.
Think-Pair-Share: The Purpose of the Terracotta Army
Students look at images of the 8,000 unique clay soldiers. They think about why an emperor would want an army in his tomb, discuss with a partner, and share what this tells us about his view of the afterlife and his own power.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionThe Great Wall we see today was built entirely by the Qin.
What to Teach Instead
Shi Huangdi connected existing walls, but most of the stone wall we see today was built much later by the Ming Dynasty. A 'history of the wall' timeline can help clarify its long construction process.
Common MisconceptionShi Huangdi was a beloved leader because he ended the wars.
What to Teach Instead
While people were glad the wars ended, his high taxes and forced labor made him very unpopular, and his dynasty was overthrown almost immediately after his death. Discussing the 'cost of unity' helps students see the complexity of his reign.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Shi Huangdi burn books?
How did the Great Wall protect China?
What was the 'standardization' of China?
How can active learning help students understand the Qin Dynasty?
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