Korea's Place in Teaching Social Studies

In its recent history, South Korea has emerged from the devastation of the Korean War and a period of dictatorial rule to become a world economic power and a vibrant democracy.

An analysis of the country's accomplishments requires an understanding of Korea's history and geography, as well as its economic and political systems. The lessons, resources, and assessments in this book will help educators to teach about Korea in ways that meet state social studies standards throughout the United States in the four core social studies disciplines of history, geography, economics, and civics. The modules offer step-by-step class activities prepared by experienced teachers that will interest and engage students as they learn about a country with an increasingly important global role.

The module on History examines the role of Korea in expanding the Silk Road's global reach and reviews the impact of the spread of Buddhism on Korea. The Geography module investigates how Korea's site and situation have impacted the country's daily life and economic opportunities. The module on Economics explores South Korea's successful decision to pursue export-led industrialization in terms of concepts such as opportunity costs, comparative advantage, and factors of production. The concluding Civics module explores traditions of democratic protest in South Korea, and the powerful responses of its citizens to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

This book is co-published by the National Council for the Social Studies and the World History Digital Education Foundation, with the support of the Korea Foundation.