8.1 From Isolation to Adaptation: Japan Outcomes Index

General Outcome
Through an examination of Japan, students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the ways in which beliefs, values and knowledge shape worldviews and contribute to a society’s isolation or adaptation.

Specific Outcomes

• Values and Attitudes

Students will:
8.1.1 appreciate the roles of time and geographic location in shaping a society’s worldview
(C, I, TCC, LPP)
8.1.2 appreciate how a society’s worldview can foster the choice to remain an isolated society
(C, I, TCC)
8.1.3 appreciate how models of governance and decision making reflect a society’s worldview
(C, I, TCC, PADM)
8.1.4 appreciate how a society’s worldview shapes individual citizenship and identity (C, I, TCC)

• Knowledge and Understanding

Students will:
8.1.5 analyze the effects of cultural isolation during the Edo period by exploring and reflecting
upon the following questions and issues:
• In what ways did Japan isolate itself from the rest of the world? (PADM, LPP, CC)

• How did isolation during the Edo period lead to changes in Japan? (CC, PADM)
• How did the changes resulting from isolation affect Japan economically, politically and
socially during the Edo period? (ER, PADM, CC, I)
• How did the physical geography of Japan affect its worldview? (LPP, PADM, TCC)
• How did the shogun use the feudal system and the hierarchical social classes to maintain control of Japan? (PADM, CC)

8.1.6 analyze the effects that rapid adaptation had on traditionally isolated Japan during the
Meiji period by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
• What were the motivations for the radical changes in Japan’s model of organization during
the Meiji period? (ER, CC, PADM)

• How did Japan adapt to changes brought on by the transition from feudal to modern models
of organization? (CC, TCC, I)
• How did the changes resulting from adaptation affect Japan economically, politically and
socially during the Meiji period? (ER, CC, PADM)

• In what ways did changes resulting from isolation in the Edo period compare to changes
resulting from adaptation in the Meiji period? (CC, TCC, I)

• What challenges emerged for the Japanese in maintaining traditional cultural aspects of their society while undergoing rapid change? (CC, I, TCC)