Unit 1: Topic 1 - Developments in EAST ASIA

AP World History

A course that covers the history of the world from ancient times to the present, focusing on key developments, events, and societies.

East Asia

A region in Asia that includes countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and others.

Song Dynasty

A ruling dynasty in China from 960 to 1279 known for its advancements in technology, culture, and governance.

Confucianism

An ethical and philosophical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing morality, family values, and social harmony.

Filial Piety

A Confucian virtue of respect for one's parents, elders, and ancestors.

Neo-Confucianism

A revival and adaptation of Confucianism during the Song dynasty, incorporating Buddhist and Taoist influences.

Imperial Bureaucracy

A system of government administration through departments and officials who carry out the policies of the emperor.

Foot Binding

A practice in ancient China where young girls' feet were bound tightly to prevent growth, often resulting in deformity and limited mobility.

Civil Service Examination

A test taken by eligible men in China to qualify for government positions in the imperial bureaucracy.

Confucian classics

Texts and teachings of Confucius that were heavily emphasized in the Song China exam, leading to the bureaucracy being staffed with the most qualified men.

Meritocracy

A system where bureaucratic jobs are awarded based on merit and qualifications rather than personal connections or favoritism.

Civil service examination

A system used in Song China and adopted by Korea to staff their bureaucracy, based on Confucian principles and aimed at selecting qualified individuals for government positions.

Mahayana Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism that emphasizes compassion, the availability of Buddhist teachings to all, and the deification of the Buddha, which played a significant role in Chinese society during the Song dynasty.

Chomper Rice

A type of rice that was drought resistant and could be harvested twice a year, leading to a significant increase in agricultural output during the Song dynasty in China.

Grand Canal

A waterway in China that linked the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, facilitating trade and transportation among different regions during the Song dynasty.

Magnetic Compass

An innovation that improved navigation on water, aiding in sea-based trade among various regions during the Song dynasty.