Lesson Plan: Understanding the North Korean Government and Leadership History

Subject: Social Sciences

Year Level: Year 9

Duration: 60 minutes

Class Size: 28 students

Curriculum Context

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Social Sciences area. Specifically, it meets objectives from Level 5, allowing students to understand how cultural interaction impacts on cultures and societies. The lesson will focus on critical thinking and understanding leadership in different global contexts, specifically the political regime of North Korea and the family dynasty of Kim Jong Un.

Curriculum Link:

• The New Zealand Curriculum Online - Social Sciences

Learning Intentions

1. Students will understand the political leadership structure of North Korea.
2. Students will explore the family history of Kim Jong Un and its impact on his leadership.
3. Students will critically analyse how leadership in North Korea affects its national and international relationships.

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Class Discussion: Initiate a discussion about different types of government systems known to the students. Briefly explain the concept of a dynastic succession as it pertains to North Korea.
• Background Setting: Provide a brief introduction to North Korea, its geopolitical significance, and a very short history focusing on the leadership of the Kim dynasty.

Main Activity (35 minutes)

• Group Activity: Split the class into 7 groups of 4. Each group researches one of the following topics:

  1. Early life of Kim Jong Un
  2. Political rise of Kim Jong Un
  3. Ideological background of the North Korean government (Juche)
  4. Human rights issues under Kim Jong Un's regime
  5. North Korea’s international relationships under Kim Jong Un
  6. Comparison of Kim Jong Un with his father and grandfather
  7. Everyday life in North Korea as perceived under Kim Jong Un’s rule

  Each group will use school-provided tablets/computers to access articles and videos. BBC’s Country Profile on North Korea and the Council on Foreign Relations can be initial resources.

• Presentation: Each group prepares a short presentation (3 minutes each) summarising their findings to share with the class.

Discussion and Critical Analysis (10 minutes)

• Class Discussion: After presentations, lead a discussion on how the leadership style of Kim Jong Un might affect both the people of North Korea and its international relations. Encourage students to use information from the presentations to support their points.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Recap and Reflect: Recap the main findings and encourage students to think about how understanding different governance systems helps us appreciate global diversity in political leadership.
• Homework Assignment: Students will write a short essay on how North Korea’s leadership style affects its citizens' daily life, due on the next Social Sciences class.

Evaluation

• Student understanding will be assessed through participation in discussions, group research effectiveness, presentation content, and perspectives shared in the concluding discussion. The homework essays will further assess their critical thinking and ability to connect historical leadership to contemporary issues.

Additional Resources

• Teachers looking to extend resources or provide additional context can refer to the Kiwis for Kiwi Educational Material for more detailed governmental analysis protocols.

Note: All resources and topics chosen for this lesson plan are intended to provide a comprehensive and respectful understanding of a complex political subject. Teachers are encouraged to guide discussions sensitively and inclusively, ensuring a respectful classroom environment.