The main major theme of Module Three is the development of China and East Asia. The chapters cover social, philosophical, cultural, governmental and religious aspects. The chapters provide insight into how the cultures of China and East Asia developed. It also details the dynasties that ruled during this era. China was isolated from West and South Asia due to the country's demographics. The writing system was not influenced by other cultures. They had created a logographic writing system. Each word had its own symbol. This writing system not only constituted a major part of Chinese literature, but also played an important role in the political process. The Shang dynasty was the first to possess writing, cities, chariots and metalwork. The Shang kings were also high priests. The Shang Dynasty was overthrown by the Zhou Dynasty. When the Zhou Dynasty ruled, it created a multi-state government system. Because of the war, the culture changed dramatically. Philosophies such as Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism were introduced and developed. Due to the population structure of the land, the main crops in northern China were wheat and millet. In southern China, rice was a crop of choice because it was warmer and more humid. The areas of Inner Asia were used to raise livestock. During the Neolithic period, decorated pottery emerged in the southwest, and less decorated pottery as well as jade ornaments and other ritual objects formed in the east. The Shang kings ruled in large colonies such as Anyang, where the kings ruled for over two centuries. The Shang kings were also military leaders. People captured in war were turned into slaves or human sacrifices. Bronze was an important metal at this time. The Zhou...... middle of paper ...... its laws. The easiest way to do this was to have a son. Foot binding also began in the Song Dynasty. Japan had adapted many Chinese practices. They had adapted an aristocratic culture. “The rise of the warrior elite finally ended the rule of the Fujiwaras and other Heian aristocratic families” (341). The Samurai became a new social class, supposed to live according to Bushido. During the Kamakura period, Zen practices flourished. Buddhism was important to Japanese culture. (Mckay, Hill, Buckler, Ebrey, Beck, Crowston, Wiesner-Hanks, 53-71,133-157,327-345)Chinese culture has developed in many ways. Social positions and religious beliefs are still perceived today. They still have a strong government position, although this has changed in many ways since the first leader.