Download Japanese Religion and Culture through Anime and Manga – Day 1

Japanese Religion and Culture through Anime and Manga – Day 1
Grade: 10th Grade
Subject: World History
By: Stephen Throop
Unit Overview: The purpose of this lesson is to teach several aspects of Japanese religion and culture
through the anime medium. The primary topics covered in this unit will be Shintoism, Buddhism,
Samurai and the Bushido Code. These topics are interwoven into every aspect of Japanese society and a
strong understanding of them allows for a much more complete understanding of the Japanese people.
Studying these topics through Anime and Manga is advantageous because it gives the viewer an
understanding of how these subjects are viewed in modern day Japan through popular culture.
Core Content Standards:
10.3 Students analyze the effects of the Industrial Revolution in England, France, Germany, Japan, and
the United States.
10.4 Students analyze patterns of global change in the era of New Imperialism in at least two of the
following regions or countries: Africa, Southeast Asia, China, India, Latin America, and the
Philippines.
10.8 Students analyze the causes and consequences of World War II.
10.9 Students analyze the international developments in the post–World War II world.
10.11 Students analyze the integration of countries into the world economy and the information,
technological, and communications revolutions (e.g., television, satellites, computers).
Secondary Content Standards:
10.3.2 Examine how scientific and technological changes and new forms of energy brought about
massive social, economic, and cultural change.
10.3.4 Describe the growth of population, rural to urban migration, and growth of cities associated with
the Industrial Revolution.
10.4.2 Discuss the locations of the colonial rule of such nations as England, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Portugal, and the United States.
10.8.1 Compare the German, Italian, and Japanese drives for empire in the 1930s, including the 1937
Rape of Nanking, other atrocities in China, and the Stalin-Hitler Pact of 1939.
10.8.6 Discuss the human costs of the war, with particular attention to the civilian and military losses in
Russia, Germany, Britain, the United States, China, and Japan.
10.9.1 Compare the economic and military power shifts caused by the war, including the Yalta Pact, the
development of nuclear weapons, Soviet control over Eastern European nations, and the economic
recoveries of Germany and Japan.
Focus Question: As seen through the study of history and modern Japanese Anime and Manga, how do
Shintoism, Buddhism, and history of the Samurai and the Bushido code affect Japan in the 21st century?
Essential Questions for this Lesson:
How is Shintoism different from traditional western religions?
How is Shintoism practiced in modern Japan?
Why is Shintoism so prevalent in Anime and Manga films?
Time
Allocation:
Lesson 1: Shintoism
5 minutes
Introduction:
The teacher will introduce anime and manga, talking about its popularity in Asia and,
increasingly in the United States. Use the following clip to create some discussion about
how the students in the class have experienced anime and manga.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrlhyMnEEQE
15 minutes
Direct Instruction:
Use the Shintoism handout to discuss Shintoism and its role in Japan. Show the
following videos to the students during your discussion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlFqaUYA_T4 (Shinto ritual – Freezing water)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZdNyLZSnU0 (Shinto fire walkers – skip to 9:00)
Modeled Instruction:
Give each student the Spirited Away and Totoro video analysis sheets. Take
some time to go over the handouts with them. Tell them to only worry about the
Shinto portion under the influences section. Because these are the first videos, I
have created some guiding questions that are not available on the generic video
analysis sheet. IMPORTANT: Make sure that the students have access to the
video clip links from home. They will need them to complete their homework.
Play the videos in the links below and have the students fill in their analysis
sheets. You will be having the students analyze several anime/manga clips
during this unit. Because this is the first clip, take extra time to explain the
handout and feel free to pause the videos as you view them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6az9wGfeSgM (Spirited Away)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuLX50_5UAI (My Neighbor Totoro)
Closure: Continue to discuss the videos with the students. Make sure that the students
complete their handouts in class or for homework. They do not have to do the
Buddhism, Samurai or Bushido sections yet.
25 minutes
5 minutes
Japanese Religion and Culture through Anime and Manga – Day 2
Grade: 10th Grade
Subject: World History
By: Stephen Throop
Unit Overview: The purpose of this lesson is to teach several aspects of Japanese religion and culture
through the anime medium. The primary topics covered in this unit will be Shintoism, Buddhism,
Samurai and the Bushido Code. These topics are interwoven into every aspect of Japanese society and a
strong understanding of them allows for a much more complete understanding of the Japanese people.
Studying these topics through Anime and Manga is advantageous because it gives the viewer an
understanding of how these subjects are viewed in modern day Japan through popular culture.
Core Content Standards:
10.3 Students analyze the effects of the Industrial Revolution in England, France, Germany, Japan, and
the United States.
10.4 Students analyze patterns of global change in the era of New Imperialism in at least two of the
following regions or countries: Africa, Southeast Asia, China, India, Latin America, and the
Philippines.
10.8 Students analyze the causes and consequences of World War II.
10.9 Students analyze the international developments in the post–World War II world.
10.11 Students analyze the integration of countries into the world economy and the information,
technological, and communications revolutions (e.g., television, satellites, computers).
Secondary Content Standards:
10.3.2 Examine how scientific and technological changes and new forms of energy brought about
massive social, economic, and cultural change.
10.3.4 Describe the growth of population, rural to urban migration, and growth of cities associated with
the Industrial Revolution.
10.4.2 Discuss the locations of the colonial rule of such nations as England, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Portugal, and the United States.
10.8.1 Compare the German, Italian, and Japanese drives for empire in the 1930s, including the 1937
Rape of Nanking, other atrocities in China, and the Stalin-Hitler Pact of 1939.
10.8.6 Discuss the human costs of the war, with particular attention to the civilian and military losses in
Russia, Germany, Britain, the United States, China, and Japan.
10.9.1 Compare the economic and military power shifts caused by the war, including the Yalta Pact, the
development of nuclear weapons, Soviet control over Eastern European nations, and the economic
recoveries of Germany and Japan.
Focus Question: As seen through the study of history and modern Japanese Anime and Manga, how do
Shintoism, Buddhism, and history of the Samurai and the Bushido code affect Japan in the 21st century?
Essential Questions for this Lesson:
How do Shintoism and Buddhism coexist in Japan?
What are some differences between Shintoism and Buddhism?
Time
Allocation:
5 minutes
Lesson 2: Buddhism
Introduction:
Review yesterday’s work and check to make sure the students completed their
assignments.
20 minutes
Direct Instruction:
Use the Buddhism handout to discuss Buddhism and its role in Japan. Use the essential
questions for this lesson to emphasize how Buddhism combined with Shintoism to
create a complementary religion that millions of Japanese follow today.
20 minutes
Movie Analysis:
Give each student two general video analysis sheets. Tell them to only worry
about the Shinto and Buddhist portions under the influences section.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the students have access to the video clip links
from home. They will need them to complete their homework.
Play the videos in the links below and have the students fill in their analysis
sheets. Focus on how Shintoism and Buddhism combine in these films.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkWWWKKA8jY (Princess Mononoke)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I8doA-vYvU (Moribito Guardian of the Spirit)
5 minutes
Closure: Discuss the videos with the students. The students need to go back and fill in
the Buddhism sections for the previous days work. They do not have to do the Samurai
or Bushido sections yet.
Japanese Religion and Culture through Anime and Manga – Day 3
Grade: 10th Grade
Subject: World History
By: Stephen Throop
Unit Overview: The purpose of this lesson is to teach several aspects of Japanese religion and culture
through the anime medium. The primary topics covered in this unit will be Shintoism, Buddhism,
Samurai and the Bushido Code. These topics are interwoven into every aspect of Japanese society and a
strong understanding of them allows for a much more complete understanding of the Japanese people.
Studying these topics through Anime and Manga is advantageous because it gives the viewer an
understanding of how these subjects are viewed in modern day Japan through popular culture.
Core Content Standards:
10.3 Students analyze the effects of the Industrial Revolution in England, France, Germany, Japan, and
the United States.
10.4 Students analyze patterns of global change in the era of New Imperialism in at least two of the
following regions or countries: Africa, Southeast Asia, China, India, Latin America, and the
Philippines.
10.8 Students analyze the causes and consequences of World War II.
10.9 Students analyze the international developments in the post–World War II world.
10.11 Students analyze the integration of countries into the world economy and the information,
technological, and communications revolutions (e.g., television, satellites, computers).
Secondary Content Standards:
10.3.2 Examine how scientific and technological changes and new forms of energy brought about
massive social, economic, and cultural change.
10.3.4 Describe the growth of population, rural to urban migration, and growth of cities associated with
the Industrial Revolution.
10.4.2 Discuss the locations of the colonial rule of such nations as England, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Portugal, and the United States.
10.8.1 Compare the German, Italian, and Japanese drives for empire in the 1930s, including the 1937
Rape of Nanking, other atrocities in China, and the Stalin-Hitler Pact of 1939.
10.8.6 Discuss the human costs of the war, with particular attention to the civilian and military losses in
Russia, Germany, Britain, the United States, China, and Japan.
10.9.1 Compare the economic and military power shifts caused by the war, including the Yalta Pact, the
development of nuclear weapons, Soviet control over Eastern European nations, and the economic
recoveries of Germany and Japan.
Focus Question: As seen through the study of history and modern Japanese Anime and Manga, how do
Shintoism, Buddhism, and history of the Samurai and the Bushido code affect Japan in the 21st century?
Essential Questions for this Lesson:
How were the Samurai and Bishido Code similar and different than the Knights and the Code of
Chivalry? For times sake, I have not included the Code of Chivalry, if time allows, including it
could make for better discussion.
How is the Bushido Code found in anime and manga?
How did the Bushido Code influence WWII?
How does the Bushido code affect modern Japanese culture?
Time
Allocation:
5 minutes
Lesson 3: Samurais and the Bushido Code
Introduction:
Review yesterday’s work and check to make sure the students completed their
assignments.
20 minutes
Direct Instruction:
Use the Samurai and Bushido Code handouts to discuss their influence on Japanese
culture.
20 minutes
Student Activity:
Have the students read the story of the 49 Ronin and have the students identify 5-8
elements of the bushido code that are found in the story.
Closure: HOMEWORK! The students will watch two more videos online and will fill
completely fill out all six video analysis sheets for homework. One may want to give
them two nights to do this.
The video links are below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECOq6aydx1k (Samurai 7) Note: It might be
interesting to bring up this films connection to the classic film “Seven Samurai”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoe4tBdu7BA (Samurai X) This one is bloody, you
may want to replace it.
CHALLENGE!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxv9ghINEhs (Grave of the Fireflies)
5 minutes
Japanese Religion and Culture through Anime and Manga – Day 4
Grade: 10th Grade
Subject: World History
By: Stephen Throop
Unit Overview: The purpose of this lesson is to teach several aspects of Japanese religion and culture
through the anime medium. The primary topics covered in this unit will be Shintoism, Buddhism,
Samurai and the Bushido Code. These topics are interwoven into every aspect of Japanese society and a
strong understanding of them allows for a much more complete understanding of the Japanese people.
Studying these topics through Anime and Manga is advantageous because it gives the viewer an
understanding of how these subjects are viewed in modern day Japan through popular culture.
Core Content Standards:
10.3 Students analyze the effects of the Industrial Revolution in England, France, Germany, Japan, and
the United States.
10.4 Students analyze patterns of global change in the era of New Imperialism in at least two of the
following regions or countries: Africa, Southeast Asia, China, India, Latin America, and the
Philippines.
10.8 Students analyze the causes and consequences of World War II.
10.9 Students analyze the international developments in the post–World War II world.
10.11 Students analyze the integration of countries into the world economy and the information,
technological, and communications revolutions (e.g., television, satellites, computers).
Secondary Content Standards:
10.3.2 Examine how scientific and technological changes and new forms of energy brought about
massive social, economic, and cultural change.
10.3.4 Describe the growth of population, rural to urban migration, and growth of cities associated with
the Industrial Revolution.
10.4.2 Discuss the locations of the colonial rule of such nations as England, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Portugal, and the United States.
10.8.1 Compare the German, Italian, and Japanese drives for empire in the 1930s, including the 1937
Rape of Nanking, other atrocities in China, and the Stalin-Hitler Pact of 1939.
10.8.6 Discuss the human costs of the war, with particular attention to the civilian and military losses in
Russia, Germany, Britain, the United States, China, and Japan.
10.9.1 Compare the economic and military power shifts caused by the war, including the Yalta Pact, the
development of nuclear weapons, Soviet control over Eastern European nations, and the economic
recoveries of Germany and Japan.
Focus Question: As seen through the study of history and modern Japanese Anime and Manga, how do
Shintoism, Buddhism, and history of the Samurai and the Bushido code affect Japan in the 21st century?
Essential Questions for this Lesson:
What kind of characters do the combination of Shintoism, Buddhism and Bushido code create?
What are the most important qualities of these characters?
Time
Allocation:
5 minutes
Lesson 4: Make your own Anime/Manga Character and 5 Paragraph Essay
Introduction:
Review yesterday’s work and check to make sure the students completed their
assignments.
35 minutes
Class activity:
Divide the students into groups. Have them use the “Make your own Anime/Manga
Character” handout to create a character on poster board or paper. Have the students
present in class on day 5. Feel free to give more class/work time if you feel it is needed.
5 minutes
Individual Essay – due in 3-5 days:
Each student must watch an anime/manga movie of their choice and complete a five
paragraph argumentative essay on how their movie shows characteristics from
Shintoism, Buddhism and the Bushido Code. Use the 5 paragraph essay grading rubric
to show the students what is expected and to grade the final product.
Japanese Religion and Culture through Anime and Manga – Day 5
Grade: 10th Grade
Subject: World History
By: Stephen Throop
Unit Overview: The purpose of this lesson is to teach several aspects of Japanese religion and culture
through the anime medium. The primary topics covered in this unit will be Shintoism, Buddhism,
Samurai and the Bushido Code. These topics are interwoven into every aspect of Japanese society and a
strong understanding of them allows for a much more complete understanding of the Japanese people.
Studying these topics through Anime and Manga is advantageous because it gives the viewer an
understanding of how these subjects are viewed in modern day Japan through popular culture.
Core Content Standards:
10.3 Students analyze the effects of the Industrial Revolution in England, France, Germany, Japan, and
the United States.
10.4 Students analyze patterns of global change in the era of New Imperialism in at least two of the
following regions or countries: Africa, Southeast Asia, China, India, Latin America, and the
Philippines.
10.8 Students analyze the causes and consequences of World War II.
10.9 Students analyze the international developments in the post–World War II world.
10.11 Students analyze the integration of countries into the world economy and the information,
technological, and communications revolutions (e.g., television, satellites, computers).
Secondary Content Standards:
10.3.2 Examine how scientific and technological changes and new forms of energy brought about
massive social, economic, and cultural change.
10.3.4 Describe the growth of population, rural to urban migration, and growth of cities associated with
the Industrial Revolution.
10.4.2 Discuss the locations of the colonial rule of such nations as England, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Portugal, and the United States.
10.8.1 Compare the German, Italian, and Japanese drives for empire in the 1930s, including the 1937
Rape of Nanking, other atrocities in China, and the Stalin-Hitler Pact of 1939.
10.8.6 Discuss the human costs of the war, with particular attention to the civilian and military losses in
Russia, Germany, Britain, the United States, China, and Japan.
10.9.1 Compare the economic and military power shifts caused by the war, including the Yalta Pact, the
development of nuclear weapons, Soviet control over Eastern European nations, and the economic
recoveries of Germany and Japan.
Focus Question: As seen through the study of history and modern Japanese Anime and Manga, how do
Shintoism, Buddhism, and history of the Samurai and the Bushido code affect Japan in the 21st century?
Essential Questions for this Lesson:
What kind of characters do the combination of Shintoism, Buddhism and Bushido code create?
What are the most important qualities of these characters?
Time
Allocation:
Lesson 5: Anime/Manga Character Presentations
40 minutes
Class activity:
Have the students present their anime characters. Use the attached rubric to grade them.
10 minutes
Unit Wrap Up:
Discuss the unit with students. Look for feedback on how to make the unit better.