BIG QUESTION | WHY DID THE U.S. FIGHT IN THE KOREAN WAR?

Background: In this unit, you will be learning about the Korean War. The unit will take you through four tasks in which you will explore the causes, controversies and consequences of the Korean War.

Assignment: For Task 1, you will complete a background reading and watch video clips that will introduce you to the Korean War. Study the video clips and read carefully; you will be completing a multiple choice quiz when you complete the reading

BIG QUESTION | SHOULD U.S. MILITARY FORCES BE SENT TO KOREA?

Background: President Truman’s policy of “Containment” was put to the test on the Korean Peninsula. Skirmishes and fighting occurred between the North and South Koreans along the 38th parallel from 1948 and 1950. The fighting and violence escalated in 1950 and President Truman was forced to make a decision about U.S. involvement.

Assignment: You will take the role of President Truman in this activity. Your task is to read 4 primary sources and make a decision on the following question: Should U.S. military forces be sent to Korea? You will present your response to this question in the form of a fake Facebook page.

BIG QUESTION | WHO STARTED THE KOREAN WAR?

Background: History textbooks often appear to present history from a neutral perspective. Many students of history approach textbooks as if they are a collection of agreed upon facts. It is enlightening to discover that almost all history textbooks contain hidden perspectives and biases. One of the most important skills a history student can develop is the ability to recognize and analyze these perspectives. This skill can be developed by comparing and contrasting textbooks from several different countries. As you might imagine, a North Korean textbook might present the Korean War from a different perspective than a South Korean textbook.

Assignment: Your task is to read and analyze two different accounts from the Korean War. The accounts come from two different countries and offer vastly different narratives on the cause of the war. Read each account carefully and consider the trustworthiness and validity of each source. After you have read and analyzed the sources, please post a reflection in the Task 3 Forum.

After posting your analysis, respond to the analysis of at least 2 of your classmates. Examine the analysis made by each of the other members of your group and compare/contrast their ideas by responding to their postings. As you interact in your group forum, (1) pose questions that move the group’s discussion forward and/or (2) respond to other group member’s postings with comments demonstrating your ability to analyze and synthesize their respective contributions.
BIG QUESTION | WHAT IS THE HISTORICAL LEGACY OF THE KOREAN WAR?

Background: As you have learned, the Korean War was a pivotal moment in history. Our involvement in the conflict has had lasting consequences on our relations with East Asian countries; specifically with North Korea, South Korea and China. The war also created controversies within the United States. As the war has gained the title, “The Forgotten War,” it is important to remember that its legacies still have enormous consequences on our world today.

Assignment: Your task is to create an Animoto film that explains the historical impact and legacy of the Korean War. You will begin by studying and analyzing several internet sources that showcase the consequences and legacies of the Korean War. As you study these sources, ask yourself the following questions:
How did the Korean War change the world?
What impact did it have on its participants?
What aspects of the war are still controversial today?
How has the war created divisiveness and problems in today’s world?
What controversial tactics were used by the participants in the war?
How is the Korean War remembered today?

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