These instructional modules are designed as an instructional resource for students to analyze the complex geopolitical and internal dynamics of North Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, through four distinct lenses: geography, economics, history, and civics. By utilizing diverse primary sources—ranging from economic data and political philosophy to propaganda art and defector testimonies—the project challenges students to apply high-level social studies skills such as spatial analysis, source evaluation, and evidence-based argumentation. Ultimately, the project aims to provide students with a nuanced understanding of how ideology, economic systems, and authoritarian control shape both the lives of North Korean citizens and the country's position on the global stage. These instructional modules provide a multi-disciplinary exploration of North Korea, focusing on its political, economic, and social structures.
The World History Digital Education Foundation offers below a set of free resources for teachers to incorporate lessons on the geography, economics, and history of North Korea. The Learning Module is composed of 4 modules:
- Module 1: Geography
- Module 2: Economics
- Module 3: History
- Module 4: Civics