Comparison: States 1200–1450
WORLD HISTORY PROJECTAP/ LESSON 1.5ACTIVITYCOMPARISON: STATES 1200–1450Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Comparison: States 1200–1450,” OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/1PurposeIn this lesson’sopener activity, you practiced comparison by exploring life in 1200 and today. This lesson builds on that foundation by introducing comparison as a historical thinking skill used to analyze the political, economic, and social features of states between 1200 and 1450. You’ll use a structured tool to identify key similarities and differences between states in different regions,and begin to evaluate the historical significance of those patterns.PracticesReadingYou’ll conduct historical comparison both as part of reading historical accounts and as part of generating your own historical interpretations. This comparison activity has you look at two regions. Try to use the language of spatial scale when describing your comparison (for example: local, regional, national, or global).ProcessIn the last few lessons,you’ve learned about a variety of states and empiresthat developed between 1200 and 1450 CE. Now, you’ll dig deeper into two of these regions to examine how they compared politically, economically, and socially. By organizing and analyzing this information, you’ll build a better understanding of the major themes of this period.Your teacher willbreak the class into small groups andeither assign or allow you to choose two of the following regions to focus on: •East Asia•Dar al-Islam•South and Southeast Asia•the Americas •AfricaOnce you have your two regions, download the Comparison: States 1200–1450worksheet.Consider the questionsassociated with each of the themes.Review what you’ve learned about the two regions you’re focusing on. Working with your group, compete Part 1: Identifying andDescribing of the Comparison Tool. Fill in what you’ve learned about each region. Then, discuss with your group:•How are these regions similar?•How are these regions different?•What’s important about those similarities and differences?
WORLD HISTORY PROJECT AP / LESSON 1.5ACTIVITYCOMPARISON: STATES 1200–14502Be prepared to share your responses with the class.Your teacher may also discuss how to use these similarities and differences to develop two thesis statements in response to the following prompts: •To what extent were these regions economically, socially, and politically similar?•To what extent were these regions economically, socially, and politically different?
WORLD HISTORY PROJECT AP / LESSON 1.5ACTIVITYCOMPARISON: STATES 1200–14503Part 1: Identifying and Describing1.Write the topic of comparison at the top of the chart, and then add the cases you’re comparing and their associated time periods and locations.2.Respond to the questions in the Part 1 chart for each case you’re comparing. Use the resources provided.3.After responding to the questions for each case, identify and describe the similarities and differences between these cases.Part 2: Analyzing (Optional Extension)1.If you were going to write two essays about the similarities and/or differences you’ve identified for this topic, what are two thesis statements you might use? Write one thesis statement about similarities and one about differences.2.If required, use your thesis statements to craft a response to the comparison prompt for this activity.Topic of ComparisonPart 1: Identifying and DescribingCases You’re ComparingTime PeriodLocation
WORLD HISTORY PROJECT AP / LESSON 1.5ACTIVITYCOMPARISON: STATES 1200–14504EconomySimilaritiesHow were goods produced, exchanged, and controlled?DifferencesSocialSimilaritiesHow did factors such as religion, class, and gender influence social structures?DifferencesPoliticalSimilaritiesHow was the state governed, and how was power structured and maintained?Differences
WORLD HISTORY PROJECT AP / LESSON 1.5ACTIVITYCOMPARISON: STATES 1200–14505Part 2: Analyzing (Optional Extension)Thesis Statement 1: SimilaritiesThesis Statement 2: DifferencesResponse