Overview of Teaching Resource Materials
On this webpage, you will find Korean American Ethnic Studies (KAES) teaching resource materials. KAES lessons have been categorized in chronological order from the Korean Diaspora & Early Korean Immigrants to Korean Americans in the 21st Century. We have aligned our KAES lessons with various California state-adopted content standards since ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary curriculum. We have included a teacher guide, up to three lesson activities, assessment tools, extension/follow-up activities, and additional resources for in-depth exploration of each lesson and for easier implementation of these lessons.
(Source: G. Cho & V. Costa (2022). Korean American Ethnic Studies curriculum: Teaching Resource Materials for K-12 Classrooms. Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles.)
Korean American Ethnic Studies Lessons
Lesson 1:
The Korean Diaspora and Korean Americans
1880 – 1920
This lesson introduces Korean Diaspora and Korean American immigration patterns and experiences. The lesson allows students to compare Korean Americans’ experiences in the first and second waves of immigration and considers how these experiences have evolved since the 20th century. It also allows students to analyze oral histories and complete a web-based short research project on locations where Koreans and Korean Americans lived
Lesson 2:
Early Korean Immigrants and the Legacy of Dosan Ahn Chang Ho
1900 – 1940
This lesson explores the life of Dosan Ahn Chang Ho as an activist, labor leader, and community builder for immigrants to the U.S. Students examine how the first Koreatown was established in Riverside, California, and compare the experiences of Koreans, Mexicans, and women citrus pickers and packers. Students will also identify Dosan’s contributions to the United States and Korea.
Lesson 3:
Immigrant Experiences of Korean Americans: The Sammy Lee Story
1920 – 1950
This lesson introduces a life story of a Korean American immigrant, Dr. Sammy Lee, who was an Olympic gold medalist and a medical doctor who served in the U.S. Army hospital. Particularly, students can reflect upon and critically analyze Dr. Sammy Lee and his family’s responses to the racism and racial discrimination they faced as immigrants in the U.S. It also considers ways the immigration laws have changed since the 20th century and identifies ways Dr. Sammy Lee, to advocate for Korean American immigrants.
Lesson 4:
The Korean Independence Movement and Korean American Identity in the U.S.
1910 – 1950
This lesson examines President Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points Peace Program and his 1919 speech to congress about the development of the Korean Independence Movement. Students explore original documents and news reports from the time period to identify how the Korean Independence Movement shaped and was shaped by the formation of the Korean American identity in the United States. Students also compose a letter to President Wilson to encourage the United States to support the Korean Independence Movement.
Lesson 5:
Colonel Young Oak Kim: Hero and Humanitarian
1940 – 1990
This lesson explores the life of Colonel Young Oak Kim (a U.S. Army officer and the first Asian American to lead a combat battalion) and the contributions he has made to the United States. Using a Think/Write/Pair Share/Group Share teaching tool, students reflect on Young Oak Kim’s narrative on being a Korean American (marginalized group) and his struggles and triumphs in overcoming racial barriers and injustice. Students will explore microaggressions Colonel Kim encountered in the U.S. Army and how he responded to those actions. Students can deepen their understanding of Colonel Young Oak Kim’s life as a U.S. citizen and war hero. Students annotate and discuss an excerpt from the biography, Unsung Hero: The Colonel Young Oak Kim Story by Woo Sung Han. They can construct a bio poem and/or an argument essay on his life and contributions to American societ
Lesson 6:
Aftermath of the Korean War and Korean Transnational Adoptions
1950-1970
This lesson explores the ending and aftermath of the Korean War. Students learn about the history of the Korean War and what the war was like from the perspective of Koreans. Students also learn about one of the many groups of displaced civilians whose lives were forever changed by the war, Korean children. They learn how Korean children became central to international aid efforts that led to the advent of transnational adoptions. They analyze an article from 1953 about a Korean transnational adoptee and consider the broader impacts of Korean transnational adoptions on Koreans and Korean Americans. Finally, students learn about transnational adoptions from the perspective of Deann Borshay Liem, a Korean adoptee.
Lesson 7:
Saigu and Social Justice
1990 – 2020
This lesson introduces the 1992 LA Civil Unrest and how it impacted Korean Americans in Los Angeles. Students reflect upon and critically analyze interview data of various individuals and groups to the civil unrest, examine issues of justice, and consider the legacy of Saigu for Korean Americans today.
Lesson 8:
Korean Americans in the 21st Century
1990 – Present
This lesson explores Korean popular cultures in the United States, including K-Pop, Korean and Korean American films, food, and more. Students compare and contrast K-POP and American Popular music, conduct short research on an example of Hallyu, analyze films. Students also conduct research for a biographical presentation of notable Korean Americans, compose a memoir essay of their own experiences, and complete a final project.