The compelling questions for this inquiry call on students is to research the history of diplomatic relations between the United States and North Korea. How to talk with North Korea has been an important diplomatic question for US presidents from Truman to Trump. At times that question has been answered with the use of direct diplomacy with North Korea, and at other times with the use of indirect diplomacy—compelling other countries to impose sanctions and other punitive measures on North Korea. At the present time, Kim Jong-un, the current leader of North Korea, has pushed forward on nuclear armament at a much faster pace than his predecessors, fueled by worsening political relations with the international community. Additionally, despite assertions that North Korea would have to choose between its pursuit of nuclear weapons and its economic development, the North Korean economy has continued to grow amid worsening sanctions and waning international trade. These developments have brought the relationship between the United States and North Korea to the forefront of international relations. Students will attempt to understand how we have talked—and are talking—with North Korea, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each approach to answer the question, “How should the United States talk with North Korea, and why is it important in the resolution of North Korean issues?”
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How Should We Talk with North Korea?
Staging Question
Analyze a series of political cartoons about the relationship between the United States and North Korea to make inferences about tensions in the relationship.
How has the United States talked with North Korea?
Formative TasksList the approaches used by the United States when talking with North Korea and provide examples of each.
SourcesSource A: Article by Priyanka Boghani, “The US and North Korea on the Brink: A Timeline,” PBS Frontline, April 18, 2018
Source B: Article by Arshad Mohammed and Matt Spetalnick, “US Pursues Direct Diplomacy with North Korea Despite Trump Rejection,” Reuters, October 31, 2017
Source C: Tweets from President Donald Trump about North Korea, January 2, 2018
Source D: Video excerpt highlighting what the US wants the United Nations to do with North Korea: "Inside Story: Are US and North Korea on the verge of nuclear war?"
What are the advantages and disadvantages of how the United States talks with North Korea?
Formative TasksCreate a graphic organizer that lists both benefits and drawbacks to the approaches of talking with North Korea.
SourcesSource A: Article by Michael E. O’Hanlon, “Americans Have Military Options for North Korea (but They’re All Bad),” National Interest, January 4, 2018
Source B: Article by Russell Korobkin, “Why a Petulant, Erratic Trump May Succeed in North Korea,” Los Angeles Times, August 11, 2017
Source C: Video debate between former ambassadors and nuclear negotiators Robert L. Gallucci and Christopher Hill, hosted by and held at the Asia Society, March 22, 2018
How is the United States talking with North Korea right now? (Research Opportunity)
Formative TasksUpdate the graphic organizer by adding benefits and drawbacks to how the United States is talking with North Korea right now.
SourcesSources will vary.
Summative Performance Task
Argument: How should we talk with North Korea? Construct a claim and a counterclaim that address the compelling question using evidence.
Extension: Have an informed conversation with an adult about how we should talk with North Korea.
Taking Informed Action
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