Global Studies East Asian Societies Test

Confucianism

Philosophy, based on the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Kong Fuzi (551-479 B.C.E.), or Confucius, that emphasizes order, the role of the gentleman, obligation to society, and reciprocity.

Legalism

Chinese philosophy from the Zhou dynasty that called for harsh suppression of the common people.

Daoism

Chinese philosophy with origins in the Zhou dynasty; it is associated with legendary philosopher Laozi, and it called for a policy of noncompetition.

Kong Fuzi (Confucius)

Original name of Confucius, Chinese philosopher and teacher of ethics (551-479 B.C.E)

Junzi

Confucian "superior individuals" who took an active role in public affairs

ren

An attitude of kindness and benevolence or a sense of humanity in Confucianism.

li

Called for individuals to behave in conventionally appropriate fashion in Confucianism.

xiao

filial piety; respect and care for parents and ancestors

Laozi

A legendary Chinese philosopher of the sixth century B.C.E.; regarded as the founder of Daoism.

Daodejing

Book that is the fundamental work of Daoism

Zhuangzi

A Chinese philosopher (369-286 B.C.E.) who spelled out the teachings of Daoism during the Warring States period.

Wuwei

Daoist concept of a disengagement from the affairs of the world.

Sui Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (589-618) that constructed the Grand Canal, reunified China, and allowed for the splendor of the Tang dynasty that followed.

Grand Canal

A canal linking northern and southern China, encouraged greater trade in China

Tang Dynasty

a powerful dynasty that ruled China from 618 to 907

Tang Taizong

Chinese emperor (r. 627-649)

Empress Wu Zhao

unprecedented Tang empress from 665-690

An Lushan Rebellion

uprising against Tang dynasty that left devastating effects on China

Uighurs

Turkish tribe

Song Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (960 - 1279 CE) that was marked by an increasingly urbanized and cosmopolitan society.

Fast ripening rice

acquired by Chinese through trade with Vietnam. ripens twice a year, which allowed farmers to harvest more crops, and allowed China's population to expand

flying cash

a paper currency of the Tang dynasty in China and can be considered the first banknote

Neo-Confucianism

Philosophy that attempted to merge certain basic elements of Confucian and Buddhist thought; most important of the early Neo-Confucianists was the Chinese thinker Zhu Xi (1130-1200).

Silla Dynasty

important early Korean dynasty that flourished during seventh and eighth centuries.

Nam Viet

early Chinese name for Vietnam

Nara

Japanese period from 710-794 CE; first permanent capital established at Nara; heavy Chinese influence

Shinto

Indigenous Japanese religion that emphasizes purity, clan loyalty, and the divinity of the emperor.

Heian

Japanese period (794-1185), a brilliant cultural era notable for the world's first novel, Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji.

The Tale of Genji

a Japanese novel and Heian masterpiece written by Murasaki Shikibu; considered one of the great works of world literature

Shogun

Japanese military leader who ruled in place of the emperor.

Kamakura

Japanese period known for feudalism and emergence of samurai.

Muromachi

Japanese period where imperial rule was restored

samurai

Literally 'those who serve,' the hereditary military elite in Feudal Japan