Lee at the 1952 Olympics
(Source: Wikipedia)

Lesson Features

• TOPICS: Immigration laws, Korean American immigrant experiences
• HISTORICAL TIME FRAME: 1920–1950
• NOTABLE KOREAN AMERICANS: Dr. Sammy Lee (1920–2016)
• SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT: Comparison/Contrast Essay​, Double-Sided Timeline

Lesson Overview

• Students are introduced to the experiences of Korean American immigrants through Sammy Lee’s life story. They reflect upon and critically analyze the responses of Sammy Lee and his family to the racism and discrimination they faced as immigrants, consider ways immigration laws have changed over the 20th century, and identify ways to advocate for Korean American immigrants.

Time Frame

• There are two activities in this lesson. Each activity requires approximately 55 minutes and includes homework.
• The Summative Assessment Comparison/Contrast Essay requires approximately 55 minutes. ​​

 Objectives and Learning Goals

• Students will be able to define and give examples of immigration, discrimination, citizen, and permanent resident.
• Students will be able to give examples of immigrant experiences and issues they or their families faced in the United States.
• Students will be able to list immigrant laws passed in the 20th century and identify how they shaped immigrant experiences past and present.
• Students will be able to critically analyze Dr. Sammy Lee’s response to the racism faced by Asian Americans and his important role as an ambassador for his sport and the United States.
• Students will be able to identify ways to advocate for Korean American immigrants.

Vocabulary

• Alien Land Law: passed in 1913, it prohibited “aliens ineligible for citizenship” from owning agricultural land or possessing long-term leases over it, but it permitted leases lasting up to 3 years. It affected the Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Korean immigrant farmers in California (Definition from Wikipedia).
• Dixiecrats: Southern democrats who were opposed to desegregation and civil rights legislation and policies.
• Immigrant: anyone living in a country who is not a citizen of that country.
• Immigration laws: laws and enforcements dealing with immigration into a country.
• Race-based segregation: segregation based on race.
• White supremacy: belief that white people are the superior race and should dominate society.

Additional Resources​​

• Original Lesson: Dr. Sammy Lee—Olympic Gold Medalist, Korean American Community Leader
• Lesson 5: Dr. Sammy Lee (1920–2016) (Ethnic Studies Group, CA Together)

Lesson 3 Presentation (PDF)

Lesson 3 Presentation Teacher’s Guide (PDF)

Download Lesson 3 Presentation (PPT)