All materials included in our workshop, "Foundations of East Asian Civilization: Confucianism, Shinto, and Buddhism," are linked here!
Presentations and Handouts from the workshop:
- Confucianism Presentation
- Confucian Glossary Handout
- Lesson Plan: The Debate on Salt and Iron
Confucianism with Dr. Zach Smith
Class Materials over Confucianism | Asia for Educators
This curated collection from Asia for Educators gathers a wide range of teaching materials on Confucianism. One highlight is the Confucianism lesson plan, which provides strategies for getting students to think more broadly about applying Confucian ideas—fostering both historical understanding and critical thinking. Another useful resource is the DBQs featuring selections from The Analects, which offer accessible primary sources alongside thoughtful discussion prompts that help students engage deeply with Confucian values.
- Confucianism: Understanding and Applying the Analects of Confucius
- Selections from the Confucian Analects: Filial Piety and Humaneness | Asia for Educators
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism.
- C.1.6.1 – Research origins, purposes, and structures of government citing primary and secondary sources (e.g., Mandate of Heaven, Confucian thought).
- H.2.6.10 – Analyze the contributions of major empires and civilizations of the world. This may include art, literature, and proverbs (e.g., Confucius).
The Analects of Confucius 論語 | Translated by A. Charles Muller
This digital edition of The Analects, translated by A. Charles Muller, provides open-access English translations of one of the most foundational texts in East Asian thought. The Analects is a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his disciples, offering insights into ethics, government, education, and proper conduct that have shaped Chinese and East Asian societies for centuries. Translator A. Charles Muller is Director of the Institute of Buddhist Culture at Musashino University in Tokyo and formerly taught at the University of Tokyo. His work focuses on East Asian philosophy, Buddhist studies, and digital humanities.
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism.
- C.1.6.1 – Research origins, purposes, and structures of government citing primary and secondary sources (e.g., Mandate of Heaven, Confucian thought).
- H.2.6.10 – Analyze the contributions of major empires and civilizations of the world. This may include art, literature, and proverbs (e.g., Confucius).
A Record of the Debate on Salt
and Iron | Asia for Educators
This translated excerpt from A Record of the Debate on Salt and Iron presents arguments made during a government debate on fiscal policy under the Western Han dynasty. Held in 81 BCE in the court of Emperor Zhao, the debate featured state officials—led by Lord Grand Secretary Sang Hongyang—and Confucian scholars who challenged the economic policies of Emperor Wu, especially the government monopolies on salt and iron. This primary source offers insight into early Chinese governance, Confucian political thought, and economic philosophy.
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism.
- E.1.6.6 – Evaluate the emergence of new economic systems and their impact on civilizations (e.g., state monopolies, taxation, fiscal policy).
Selections from the Han Feizi: Chapter 49, “The Five Vermin” | Asia for Educators
This excerpt introduces students to Legalist political thought through “The Five Vermin,” a chapter from the Han Feizi, a foundational Legalist text attributed to Han Fei (d. 233 BCE). A former student of the Confucian philosopher Xunzi, Han Fei rejected Confucian ideals in favor of a more pragmatic, authoritarian approach to governance. His writings reflect a systematic synthesis of Legalist and Daoist ideas, emphasizing strict laws and centralized power. This chapter criticizes social groups seen as harmful to the state, offering valuable insight into Legalist critiques of Confucianism and the ideological tensions of early Chinese political philosophy.
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism.
- C.1.6.2 – Compare the structure of leadership/government and functions of civilizations in different times and places.
Shinto with Dr. Kae Hashimoto Reed
Architecture and Sacred Spaces in Shinto | ORIAS
This module from UC Berkeley examines how key features of Shinto shrine architecture—such as torii gates, honden (main halls), and natural settings—reflect core spiritual values like harmony with nature, purification, and reverence for kami. Designed to support classroom use, it includes background readings, visual materials, and discussion prompts that help students analyze how sacred architecture expresses religious and cultural meaning. It is especially valuable for teachers seeking to integrate visual learning and cross-cultural analysis into their lessons.
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies
- H.2.6.10 – Analyze the contributions of major empires and civilizations of the world. This may include art, literature, architecture, law, fables, and proverbs.
Shintō | Asia for Educators
This educational page from Columbia University’s Asia for Educators provides a concise, accessible overview of Shinto’s origins and development in early Japanese history (1000 BCE– 794 CE). It explains the concept of kami, early ritual practices, and how Shinto shaped Japanese cultural and spiritual life. Designed for teachers, the site offers clear content suitable for classroom use, particularly in world history or religion units.
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies
- H.2.6.10 – Analyze the contributions of major empires and civilizations of the world. This may include art, literature, architecture, law, fables, and proverbs.
Shinto | Asia Society
This short educational overview from Asia Society introduces Shinto as Japan’s indigenous belief system. It explains the role of kami (divine spirits), purification rituals, seasonal festivals, and the deep spiritual connection to nature. Designed for middle and high school classrooms, the page includes clear explanations and engaging visuals, making it a helpful resource for teaching cultural or religious traditions in Japan.
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies
- H.2.6.10 – Analyze the contributions of major empires and civilizations of the world. This may include art, literature, architecture, law, fables, and proverbs.
Japanese Religions | Freeman Spogli Institute
This resource from Stanford University contains an overview on Japanese religions. The content presents Shinto in a comparative framework alongside Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity. This approach allows students to explore both the uniqueness and the interconnectedness of Shinto within East Asian religious thought. The site is well-suited for teachers planning world religions or global culture units.
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies
- H.2.6.16 – Analyze effects of cultural interactions and connections on civilizations over time.
Encyclopedia of Shinto | Kokugakuin University
This is a comprehensive and scholarly online resource created by Kokugakuin University, one of Japan’s leading institutions for Shinto and Japanese religious studies. The Encyclopedia of Shinto provides in-depth, English-language entries on Shinto concepts, rituals, deities (kami), festivals, and historical development. It also includes images and primary source materials. The
site is ideal for educators and students seeking academic-level content supported by Japan based scholarship.
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies
- H.2.6.10 – Analyze the contributions of major empires and civilizations of the world. This may include art, literature, architecture, law, fables, and proverbs.
- G.1.6.6 – Analyze ways climate and environmental characteristics influenced where groups lived and how the groups adjusted to the environment in various civilizations.
Buddhism with Dr. James Dietrick
Introduction to Buddhism | Stanford University 
This accessible introduction from Stanford University provides a short overview of Buddhism’s origins, key concepts, and global influence. Topics covered include the life of the Buddha (Shakyamuni), the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, karma and reincarnation, and different branches of Buddhism in China, Tibet, and beyond.
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism.
- H.2.6.10 – Analyze the contributions of major empires and civilizations of the world, including religious architecture, literature, and teachings (e.g., Buddhist temples, sutras).
- G.1.6.5 – Analyze ways cultural characteristics influenced population distribution in various civilizations (e.g., spread of Buddhism through trade and pilgrimage).
Buddhism: A Guide to Research | University at Buffalo Library
This resource from the University at Buffalo Libraries offers a curated collection of authoritative general and introductory materials on Buddhism. The guide includes reference works, historical surveys, and biographies that provide a clear and accessible introduction to the ideas, history, and cultural impact of Buddhism, along with links to additional digital resources for deeper exploration.
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism.
- H.2.6.16 – Analyze effects of cultural interactions and connections on civilizations over time (e.g., spread of Buddhism across Asia).
Buddhism | Sacred Texts
This site hosts a large collection of open-source English translations of Buddhist texts from various traditions. Especially useful for educators seeking direct excerpts for classroom use. Translations of many of the primary texts referenced in the resource from the University at Buffalo Library can also be found here. Below are a few recommended texts to help educators get started:
- The Dhammapada (A short piece from the Pali Canon the circulates widely and independently)
- The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
- The Gateless Gate (a collection of Zen koans)
- The Smokey the Bear Sutra (a modern work by poet Gary Snyder)
Arkansas State Standards:
- H.2.6.9 – Examine key concepts and influences of major belief systems on societies: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism.
- C.1.6.1 – Research origins, purposes, and structures of government citing primary and secondary sources.
- H.2.6.10 – Analyze the contributions of major empires and civilizations of the world, including literature and religious texts.