lesson title: taoist thought in chinese utopian poetry
TRANSCRIPT
Lesson Title: Taoist Thought in Chinese Utopian Poetry
Class and Grade level(s): 10th grade World Literature
Goals and Objectives – Students will:
Be familiar with the most basic tenets of Taoist thought
understand the concept of utopia
be able to read and discuss Chinese Utopian poetry
write a composition demonstrating their own utopian vision
Time required/class periods needed: One Block Period (90 minutes)
Primary source bibliography: T’ao Ch’ien (Tao Qian): “I Built My Cottage Among the Habitations of Men”; “Two Poems on Returning
to Dwell in the Country”; “The Peach Blossom Fountain”. Scott, Foresmen. Classics in World Literature. Scott, Foresman & Company, 1991.
Other resources used: Taoist thought handout Classics in Literature textbook
Required materials/supplies: Blackboard and chalk
Vocabulary: Utopia Taoism image theme setting rhythm rhyme allusion simile metaphor alliteration
Procedure: 1. Distribute handout (below) on Taoist thought. Read and discuss with students. Expand on
information and have students give feedback. 2. Have students read introduction to Chinese poetry in textbook. On blackboard, list what students
feel is familiar to them regarding Chinese thought and poetry and what is unfamiliar to them. 3. Review literary terms: utopia, image, theme, setting, etc. 4. Read aloud and discuss the three short poems by T’ao Ch’ien (Tao Qian) 5. Expand on the poet’s concept of an ideal society, especially in “The Peach-Blossom Fountain.”
Discuss how it relates to Taoist thought. 6. In a composition of 300-500 words, have students describe their own vision of a utopian society. It
can be essay style or framed as a simple story, or even a series of poems.
Assessment/evaluation: Informal assessment will occur during in-class reading and discussion time. By evaluating
feedback, the teacher will gauge understanding.
Formal assessment will occur when students turn in essays. Evaluation will be based on form, content, and independent thought.