High School Resources - Carolina Asia Center

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World History, Global Issues & Geography | Sociology, Government & IT in a Global Society | Philosophy & Theory of Knowledge (IB) | Economics & Business | Language Arts | Science | Visual Arts | Mandarin Chinese

World History, Global Issues & Geography

Ancient Doctrines of China
By Moly Krist
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will review Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Legalism. They will apply their knowledge by reading scenarios and deciding what response each philosophy would dictate.

Becoming Modern: Early 20th Century Japan through Primary Sources
By The Program for Teaching East Asia (TEA), University of Colorado Boulder
Contributors:
Ethan Segal, Michigan State University
Sarah Campbell, Ketchikan High School, Ketchikan, AK
Rebecca Hong, Lick-Wilmerding High School, San Francisco, CA
Susan Flickinger, Glenbrook South High School, Glenview, IL
Catherine Mein, Ballard High School, Huxley, IA
Ted Pierce, Marshwood High School, South Berwick, ME
Barbara Podkowka, Friends School of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA
Christine Schaefer, Woodward-Granger Schools, Woodward, IA
Lori Snyder, Longmeadow High School, Longmeadow, MA
Mathew Sudnik, Central Catholic High School, Pittsburgh, PA
Johanna Lohr Wintergerst, Centaurus High School, Lafayette, CO
This resource offers eight teacher-developed lessons that examine a critical period in Japanese and world history: the period of Japan’s modernization and international expansion from the 1880s through the 1920s, a time span overlapping the late Meiji, Taishō, and early Shōwa periods.

The Belief Systems of Ancient Korea: A Case Study of Cultural Diffusion in the Far East
By Scott Camillo and Susan Cimburek
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will learn how Confucianism and Buddhism came to Korea from China. They will answer DBQs and analyze documents to better comprehend opposing philosophers. This lesson fits with AP World History’s East Asian Region. National Standards for Social Studies can be met.

Challenges Remain: North Korean Refugees in South Korea
By Frances Knechel
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will analyze videos, articles, book excerpts, websites, and photos to make inferences about life in North Korea and life in South Korea. Students will write about their findings on life in North Korea and South Korea. Students will create policies for South Korea. Common Core Standards can be met.

Changing Roles of South Korean Women
By Kimberly Champagne
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will use a variety of primary and secondary sources in order to analyze any changes and continuities in the status of South Korean women over the course of the 20^th and early 21^st Centuries. They will analyze the sources of documents for point of view, ancient ideology, and more. Great for AP World History. Common Core Standards can be met.

Choson Dynasty and Women’s Rights: Custom and Law
By Beth Cerulo
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will recognize the importance of economic equality in achieving women’s rights. They will use reading, graphic organizers, video segments, and more to compare the evolution of women’s rights in France and Korea. They will investigate women’s rights in the U.S. and the Republic of Korea today, analyzing the role of economic equality and laws. Common Core Standards can be met.

Coca Cola vs. People of India
By Katie Marien, Ashwaubenon High School, Ashwaubenon, WI
Published on and developed with Center for South Asia Outreach at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Students will study the presence of Coca-Cola in India and what it has done to the water supply. They will conduct research for evidence for a role-play trial between Coca-Cola and the people of India.

Confucius Philosophy and Understanding
By Jeff Gottke, Mount Vernon High School
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will be introduced to the historical context in which Confucianism was formed, how it impacted Chinese society over time, and its recent resurgence. They will examine Confucius’ Analects and discuss relevant current events in the Western world. They will determine which listing from the Analects will best address the situation and how a Western philosopher would address the situation.

A Comparison of Student Activists
By John Ciferni
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will analyze the different changes Korea experienced under Japanese occupation between 1910-1945. They will explore themes of nationalism and activism. Students will compare the role of activists in the 1919 movement and Tiananmen Square protests. Students will use readings, Venn diagrams, articles, and interviews.

Cultural Diffusion in Korean Society
By Mary Bisheh
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will analyze elements of Korean society and culture to categorize whether they are examples of cultural diffusion. They will analyze different elements around the room. Common Core and National Geography Standards can be met.

Cultural Encounters: Teaching Japan in World History
By The Program for Teaching East Asia (TEA), University of Colorado Boulder
Contributors:
Trevor Brimhall, Red Mountain High School, AZ
David Culley, Noblesville West Middle School, IN
Erica Gullickson, Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, MN
Catherine Ishida, Teaching East Asia, CO
Catherine Mein, Ballard High School, IA
Anthony Robbins, Odyssey School, CA
Sharlyn Scott, Desert Valley High School, AZ
Laurel Singleton, Teaching East Asia, CO
Kazuko Stone, Denmark High School, WI
Kit Wainer, Leon M. Goldstein High School for the Sciences, NY
This resource features seven teacher-developed historical-inquiry lessons on Japanese encounters with peoples, ideas, technologies, and institutions of Asia, Europe, and the United States from the Asuka/Nara periods to the present. Featuring a variety of primary and secondary sources, the lessons are designed to enhance middle and high school students’ historical thinking and literacy skills and their knowledge of Japan in world history.

An Economic Miracle: A Comparison
By Lucy Danny
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will compare and contrast how Japan and South Korea are similar in prospering economically so quickly. They will create a table for a debate illustrating the similarities and differences between Japan’s and South Korea’s “Economic Miracle.” Common Core Standards and National Standards for Social Studies can be met.

The Fall of the Samurai in Late Tokugawa Japan
By Elisa Kim
Published on and developed with History Research Guides by Boston University Students at Boston University
In this comprehensive research guide, educators can design student-focused research using the tools provided on this webpage. This research guide consists of seven sections of resources that helps students build understanding from general overview of Japanese History to influential samurai in Japanese history. Resources include books, journal articles, websites, databases, archives, directories, libraries, and museums.

From Silk to Oil Cross-Cultural Connections Along the Silk Road
Project Directors: Nancy Jervis, Morris Rossabi, and Marleen Kassel
Published on and developed with School of Chinese Studies at The China Institute
This award-winning curriculum guide will take you through Central Asia. It has twenty-three lesson plans accompanied with maps, documents, tables, and even a board game.

The Future of China’s Economic System
By Mona Al-Hayani
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will learn vocabulary regarding economic systems while discussing their views on China’s newly emerging economy. They will also engage in activities related to China being consumer-oriented, including writing an article on China’s economy. State Standards for Social Studies can be met.

The Future of Two Chinas
By Paul Chidester
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will be confronted with the ongoing issue of two Chinas versus one (the PRC and Taiwan). The class will be divided in half to debate the fate of a one-versus two-China policy. Each will read two articles on their position and be encouraged to conduct additional research.

The Great Leap Forward
By Bobbie Mucha
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will study the differences between communism and capitalism through an examination of two famous and very different attempts at economic modernization. The focus of the lesson is The Great Leap Forward with introduction of The Special Economic Zones. The lessons can stand alone as economic or history lessons or be used together as a comparative economic/government mini-unit.

Is China a Threat to the United States?
By Dean
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will compare maps from different periods, paying close attention to China’s expansion and contraction while discussing any patterns that have developed. They will watch a video and write a persuasive essay on whether China is a threat.

Korean Poetry in Historical Context
By Maeve Hitzenbuhler
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will explore poetic forms specific to Korean poetry and how they relate to modern Korean history. They will also create their own Sijo poetry. This lesson is appropriate for World Literature. Common Core Standards can be met.

Korean Renaissance Art: 1400-1600 CE
By Tiffany Benson
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will compare and contrast European and Korean Renaissance movements. They will analyze different pieces of art and identify elements that categorize them as “Renaissance” art. This is great for Art, History, or AP World History. National Standards for Social Studies and Common Core Standards can be met.

A Little Chinese Seamstress
By KaSandra Emler, Granville High School
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
The lesson A Little Chinese Seamstress is designed to provide students with a greater understanding of life for Chinese citizens during the Cultural Revolution. Students will compose a “diary” from the perspective of a Chinese citizen during the Communist Revolution.

Maps and Memory: Using Contemporary Art
By Pamela Nguyen Corey
Published on and developed with Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies at Cornell University
This unit conveys a different approach to learning about history and geography by having students analyze contemporary artworks that reflect upon the collective memory and the cross-border impact of the Vietnam War and Pol Pot Regime. See page 3 for High School Lesson Plan.

New Perspectives on the Ancient Indus Civilization
By Lynn Zetzman from Xavier High School
Published on and developed with Center for South Asia Outreach at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Students will analyze archeological finds, particularly bull figures and their portrayal of Indus culture. They will demonstrate pinch technique with clay to create their own animal form and understand the level of skill and production in Indus culture.

Newscasts from Tiananmen Square
By Scott Nickel
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will gain an understanding of the intellectual and political climate surrounding Tiananmen Square and role-play through student-produced newscasts.

Royal Tombs at Gyeongju
By Daryl W. Schuster
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will analyze and appreciate Korean national treasures discovered in Korean tombs. They will discuss the importance of maintaining the sanctity of tombs versus recovering national treasures. Common Core Standards can be met.

Socratic Seminar: Religion, Philosophy, and Political Power in East Asia
By Amy Swartz
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will evaluate East Asian governments’ use of religion and philosophy in order to maintain power through 500-1500 CE. They will read and evaluate different texts to discuss their ideas and findings in a group. They will then write an essay applying the concept of political entities using religious or philosophical principles to acquire, reinforce, and maintain power. Common Core Standards can be met.

South Korean Currency: A Window into South Korean History and Culture
By Jessica Frisik
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will complete a webquest on South Korean currency and understand its influence from Korean History. Students will then create their own version of US currency using a similar process to how Korea created its own currency. National Standards for Social Studies and Common Core Standards can be met.

Toponymy of Korea and the United States
By Brant Mellor, Redmond, Oregon and Julie Wakefield, Reno, Nevada
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will identify and label toponyms in United States and East Asia. They will analyze and evaluate the current issues of the Dokdo/Takeshima Islands. They will also apply their knowledge to a debate between Japan and Korea. This lesson is appropriate for AP Human Geography. National Standards for Social Studies can be met.

The US in South Korea: Ally or Empire? Perspectives in Geopolitics
By Sharlyn Scott
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will examine the complex presence of United States in South Korea from readings of both perspectives. They will debate among themselves and come to resolutions and present finding to class. For their homework, they will draft a treaty. Common Core and National Standards for Social Studies can be met.

When did South Korea become a Democracy?
By Brian Burback
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will examine a common misconception by doing research, presentation, and student reading. They will examine the protests in 1987 and create a broadcast. Common Core Standards can be met.

Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence
By Christian Lentz
Published on and developed with the National Humanities Center
Students will analyze the Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence, read to an audience of thousands in Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, Vietnam, by Ho Chi Minh on September 2, 1945.

Sociology, Government & IT in a Global Society

Consent of the Governed: A Look at the Mandate of Heaven and Social Contract Theory
By Kathryn Benken
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
This lesson teaches connections between an ancient Chinese theory of power and a European Enlightenment theory of power, but also to teach the fundamentals. A further goal is for students to understand how these two main theories have influenced the governments and mentalities of the people involved in the current time. National Standards for Government and Social Studies can be met.

K-Pop and E-Commerce: A Match Made in Heaven?
By John Codega
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will analyze the nature of Business to Business, Business to Consumer, and Consumer to Consumer online transactions. They will evaluate K-Pop’s adoption of B2B and the role of internet.

Learning Chinese Language
By Laura Soltis
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
During the Sociology unit on Culture, students will discuss language as a component of culture through an assortment of activities. This includes reading, practicing writing symbols, and comparing and contrasting languages. This can be adapted for lower lessons.

Philosophy & Theory of Knowledge (IB)

Confucianism
By Laina Kominos
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
This lesson will introduce students to Confucianism. Through the development of a short story, students will be able to compare the beliefs of Confucian culture to American culture.

Confucius and Confucianism
By Hui-Ling Haldeman
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will examine Confucianism through texts and video. They will make chronologies, examine Confucian examination room, and design classroom rules that reflect the world of Confucianism.

Confucius Philosophy and Understanding: Is There Relevance for Today’s Students?
By Mike Swank
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will develop an understanding of the basic principles of Confucian thought through activities, and discuss if they are relevant today.

Exploring the Daoist Worldview
By David Fawcett
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will study quotes from Daoist writings, noticing in particular the implications for knowledge issues, ideas that seem contrary to Western tradition, and things that seem comfortably familiar.

Korean Shamanism: A Case Study in Modern Animism
By Emily D. Trudeau
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will analyze man-made and natural objects discussing what has a soul. They will study a polytheistic and oldest form of religion-animism. They will look at past and modern forms of animism by traveling to different stations. Common Core and National Standards for Social Studies can be met.

Religious Plurality- Korea: A Case Study
By Jennifer Turner
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will analyze religious sites in Korea. They will fill out a graphic organizer of Christianity, Buddhism, and Confucianism. This activity will help them see the presence of the religions historically and still today. In addition, they will also see the challenges and benefits of religious plurality.
Common Core Standards and National Standards for Social Studies can be met.

Economics & Business

Chinese Development
By Chad Flaig
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will understand the effects of the emergence of China on their life. They will read a handout on China’s impact economically while filling out a graphic organizer.

Economic Development in China
By Jolene Dyer, Wooster High School
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will create a poster depicting Rostow’s 5 stages of economic development. Students will collect data on China and determine correct categorization for China. They will be introduced to developmental state theory of industrialization, the national power focus, product cycle, and private public cooperation in this model. They will compare these concepts to free market capitalism.

An Economic Miracle- A Comparison
By Lucy Danny
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will compare and contrast how Japan and South Korea are similar in prospering economically so quickly. They will create a table for a debate illustrating the similarities and differences between Japan and South Korea in becoming an “Economic Miracle.” Common Core Standards and National Standards for Social Studies can be met.

GDP, Economic Growth, and Market Systems: Comparing the Economies of North and South Korea
By Katherine Case and James Redelsheimer
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will analyze, compare, and contrast a nation’s standard of living based on comparative economic data. By comparing North and South Korea and using economic terms and measurements, they will understand what leads a nation to experience economic growth, or a higher standard of living. Common Core Standards can be met.

South Korea and the “Asian Development Model”
By Martha A. Curtis
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will analyze GDP growth in different countries and discuss ways Asia’s high growth could have been achieved. Students will examine articles from time period and debate “sweatshops”. They will apply their knowledge to a developing country. Great for AP Macro-Economics.
Common Core and National Council for History Standards can be met.

Language Arts

American Transcendentalism and Buddhism: Cross-Cultural Relationships
By Loraine Hammack
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Emerson and Thoreau, as well as Wordsworth, connect directly with Buddhist beliefs in their views of society, thoughts about enlightenment, and Nirvana. Students will explore cross cultural relationships as well as the similarities and differences through readings.

Epic Poetry
By Gregory Booth, Sheridan High School
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will list their favorite “heroes” with characteristics. Students will then discuss folk epics sharing the story of Samzhub to Beowulf. Students will research different culture’s epic tradition.

Hua Mu Lan
By Jill E. Davis
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will read and discuss the “Ballad of Hua Mu Lan.” They will then watch the movie of the opera “Hua Mu Lan” and compare it to the Disney version of “Mulan.”

Judge Dee at Work
By Bernadette Sedor
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will read Jude Dee at Work, eight Chinese detective stories. Students will hold mock trials, do graphic organizers, perform a mock trial, and more. Standards for English can be met

Korean Poetry in Historical Context
By Maeve Hitzenbuhler
Published on and developed with The Korea Society
Students will explore poetic forms specific to Korean poetry and how it relates to modern Korean history. They will create their own Sijo poetry. This is great for World literature. Common Core Standards can be met.

Literature and Liberation— The Power of Literature
By Emily Shrestha
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
The basis of discussion will be on the novel Balzac and The Little Chinese Seamstress as well as the film version of the novel. It is paired with other works to discuss the idea of the “One Story” and who write the story of a people. There is discussion, voice journals, and more.

Lu Xun’s Preface and “Diary of a Madman”
By Susan Coffman
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
This lesson is intended to use two pieces by Lu Xun to show his importance as a revolutionary of 20^th Century Chinese society and literature. They will compare it to Civil Disobedience, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and Heart of Darkness.

Two Kinds
By Debb Draudt
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will analyze the short story “Two Kinds” through variety of activities and in-depth background. They will explore themes of difficult family relationships, conflict may not have a winner, and Chinese themes.

Using T’ang Poetry to Capture a Moment
By Sara Beardsley
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will be introduced to Tang period poetry and increase their ability to use words to accurately capture image and tone. Students will analyze varying translations of Chinese poems and create several versions of their own poems to create mood.

Science

Bounce into Rubber: Natural Latex from Thailand
By Robin Bartoletti from LearnNC
This lesson for grade nine investigates natural latex rubber sources from Thailand. Students will complete research and experiments to determine which plants from Thailand are sources of latex. They will also explore images and audio recordings of rubber harvesting in Thailand. NC Essential Standards and Curriculum Alignment can be met.

The Mountains of Nepal: Scientific Investigations
By Robin Bartoletti from LearnNC
This lesson introduces students to the mountain ecosystems of Nepal. Activities include a brainstorming activity, in which students think about ecosystems and biodiversity; a research activity, in which students use a variety of sources to gather information about the mountain ecosystems of Nepal; and a journal activity, in which students create journal entries based on the information gathered in their research. This lesson was made for Middle School, but can be adapted. NC Essential Standards and Curriculum Alignment can be met.

Salt Trading in Asia
By Edie McDowell from LearnNC
This interdisciplinary lesson incorporates science, nutrition, geology, social studies, and language arts as students explore the mineral salt. A collection of images will afford students the opportunity to view salt farms in Vietnam and historic salt trade routes to Nepal. Students will use these images to demonstrate their understanding of salt production and trade by putting the images in order and writing a work of fact or fiction to accompany and explain this sequence. This lesson was made for Middle School but can be adapted. NC Essential Standards and Curriculum Alignment can be met.

Vietnam Waterways: Ecology and Conservation
By Edie McDowell from LearnNC
In this interdisciplinary lesson, students will examine the relationship between the physical environment and cultural characteristics of the Mekong River valley in Vietnam. Students will evaluate the current conditions of the Mekong River and suggest long-range solutions for improving, restoring, or preserving the quality of the river. This lesson was made for Middle School, but can be adapted. NC Essential Standards and Curriculum Alignment can be met.

Visual Arts

Chinese Paper-Cuts
By Patricia M. Banas
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
Students will learn about Chinese paper-cut and apply the technique. This lesson hopes to increase students’ dexterity while exposing students to the art and culture of China.

Contemporary Chinese Ink Painting/ Peace Week Poetry
By Rosemary KimBal
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
This is a great Peace Week celebration where students learn about Chinese Ink paining and Chinese Quatrain poetry. Students will create and individualize their artwork with a poem they create about peace.

Mandarin Chinese

Using the Game Barnga to Teach about Chinese Language & the Sociology of Language
By Jennifer Sage
Published on and developed with National Consortium for Teaching about Asia- Ohio
By using the game Barnga to stimulate a language barrier, students will learn about the development of language in China and analyze the sociological phenomena behind language.

The Carolina Asia Center supports diverse Asia-related lesson plans. However, CAC did not create these lesson plans. This lesson plan database does not constitute endorsement of or agreement with the views presented therein. As an academic institution, we value diverse perspectives that promote dialogue and understanding.