About the inquiry

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?”

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.

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

No data found.