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KOREA UNMASKED:

In Search of the Country, the Society, and the People

By Won-bok Rhie

Middle School Lessons Resources Created by Joseph Daniels

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Chapter 1

Neighbors but Strangers: Korea, China and Japan

Chapter themes

Religion in Korea

Foreign Aggressions

Core values: Yi, Choong, Wa

Introductory Questions

What do you know about Korea?

What aspects of its history and culture does it share with China & Japan? What are differences?

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Chapter 1

Neighbors but Strangers: Korea, China and Japan

Core Vocabulary

In Chapter 1, consider these 8 vocabulary items. Define each as it used in the text and enhanced with visuals.

Characters

Hiragana & Katakana

Hangul

Ondul

Choong

Joong

Seonbi

Seonbi spirit

p.23

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Chapter 1

Neighbors but Strangers: Korea, China and Japan

Compare & Contrast

Using a Venn diagram, identify and analyze similarities and differences among Korea, China & Japan.

Korea

China

Japan

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Chapter 1

Neighbors but Strangers: Korea, China and Japan

Panel Discussion

In groups of 3, discuss the following graphic panels.

  • What information is given?
  • What more would you want to know?
  • What does it teach you about Korea or Korean culture?

Choose any panel from this chapter to discuss.

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Chapter 1

Neighbors but Strangers: Korea, China and Japan

Theme exploration

Working with a partner, explore one of the chapter’s themes. Research a single example from that theme, provide a few notes, and present it visually to the class.

Example:

Religion in Korea Mahayana Buddhism

Foreign Aggressions

Core values: Yi, Choong, Wa

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Chapter 2

The Korean People (Lifestyle)

Chapter themes

Apartments & Urban Life Ideology

Legitimacy Economy

Hierarchy Education

Introductory Questions

What are the major cities in Korea?

What foods, sports, or cultural aspects come to mind?

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Chapter 2

The Korean People (Characteristics)

Core Vocabulary

In Chapter 2, consider these 8 vocabulary items. Define each as it used in the text and enhanced with visuals.

Kimchi

Norebang

Genealogy

Legitimacy

Hierarchical

Confucian society

Chon

Cronyism

Juche

p.63

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Chapter 2

The Korean People (Characteristics)

Compare & Contrast

Using a Venn diagram, identify and analyze similarities and differences among aspects of religion, economy, and education (pp.87-113).

Religion

Economy

Education

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Chapter 2

The Korean People (Characteristics)

Panel Discussion

In groups of 3, discuss the following graphic panels.

  • What information is given?
  • What more would you want to know?
  • What does it teach you about Korea or Korean culture?

Choose any panel from this chapter to discuss.

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Chapter 2

The Korean People (Characteristics)

Theme exploration

Working with a partner, explore one of the chapter’s themes. Research a single example from that theme, provide a few notes, and present it visually to the class.

Example:

Ideology ”Patrimonial Chaebol Capitalism”

Apartments & Urban Life Education

Legitimacy Economy

Hierarchy