Li Qingzhao and the Song Dynasty

This lesson plan delves into the Song Dynasty through the writings of Li Qingzhao, a renowned female poet. Students will explore major historical events and societal changes during this period by examining an encyclopedia article and Li Qingzhao’s autobiographical work. Through reading, discussion, and analysis, students will connect her personal experiences to the broader context of medieval China, enhancing their understanding of the era’s cultural and political landscape. Activities include reading assignments, highlighting key text passages, and class discussions to reinforce comprehension and critical thinking.

Essential Questions

• What were some of the major events of the Song Dynasty?
• How did Li Qingzhao’s literary work reflect the events of her time?

Objectives

• Improve reading fluency and comprehension of an encyclopedia article
• Analyze a text to make connections with other texts
• Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media

This activity has two parts, a homework assignment and an in-class activity. Answer keys included.