Curated OER
Japanese Modernization and Imperialism
Young scholars examine the period in which Japan ended its isolationism with the rest of the world. Using the internet, they identify the reasons why Japan occupied and annexed Korea along with the country's reasons for going to war...
Japan Society
The “I” Novels in the Context of Early 20th-Century Japan
Although this lesson plan covers the rather obscure topic of the Japanese "I-novel", it also includes a great deal of historical information and material for an in-depth discussion of universal literary concepts. Specifically, young...
Japan Society
Japan in the World Since 1945
What have US-Japanese relations been like since the conclusion of World War II? Why do some commentators identify Japan's postwar years as a subordinate independence? Invite your young historians to research Japan's status in the world...
Curated OER
Pre-Assessment / Introductory Essay Jigsaw Part A
Students investigate Imperial Japan. In this Japanese history activity, students listen to a lecture about Imperial Japan and then complete jigsaw reading activities about the country during the 20th century. Students write essays that...
Curated OER
Analyzing Japanese Imperialism
Pupils engage in a lesson plan in order to compare and contrast the Imperialism of Japan to that of the United States and Europe. Students can complete a variety of activities that include research questions, reflection from lecture, and...
Curated OER
Patriotism Reflected in Art and Literature (Part B)
Tenth graders compare and contrast the patriotism of Imperial Japan to its presence in the United States today. In this patriotism lesson, 10th graders write essays and participate in a classroom debate that requires them to consider the...
Curated OER
Famous People of Japan: Literature, Politics, Film, Television, Sports, and the Imperial Family
Students research biographical information about a famous Japanese, investigating how this person has impacted Japanese and American culture. Students then create an oral report and technological presentation based on the research.
Curated OER
Land of the Rising Guns?
Young scholars discuss the decision after World War II of Japan's to follow a policy of pacifism. After reading an article, they identify the ways Japan is strengthening its military. They watch a video to discover how their Constitution...
Curated OER
The failure of Diplomacy, September-December 1941
Students investigate four main issues of concern between US and Japan prior to US involvement in World War II. In this role play lesson, students will take the role of US and Japanese negotiators trying to find a diplomatic solution to...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The New Order for "Greater East Asia"
Sometimes the New Order becomes synonymous with its implications for European countries, but what about its consequences for East Asia? The final instructional activity in a four-part series teaches scholars about World War II. High...
Curated OER
Lost Names: Scenes From a Korean Boyhood,
What a great resource to share! Based on the book Lost Names by Richard Kim, this valuable lesson focuses on the Japanese occupation of Korea during WWII. Additionally, it employs first-person journaling as a mode of understanding themes...
National Endowment for the Humanities
American Diplocmacy in World War II
The end of World War II saw the world deeply changed over the last few years. Four thorough lessons explore post-war Europe, America, and Asia through reading assignments and discussion questions about the Grand Alliance and the signing...
Curated OER
Further Reading: Japan
Students investigate the Japanese people and how they lived in the World War II era. They conduct research in order to obtain information. Then they role play the part of different people in groups who lived during the time.
Curated OER
Japanese Fans
High schoolers create individual examples of Japanese fans in this arts-based lesson on the history of Japanese fan making. Resource links and ideas for the creative portion of the lesson are provided.
Curated OER
America and the Sino-Japanese Conflict, 1933-1939
Students examine the U.S. stance regarding the Sino-Japanese conflict. For this diplomacy lesson, students analyze the sanctions employed by United States on Japan when they took over Manchuria. Students determine how actions by the...
Curated OER
Life in Korea During World War II: When My Name Was Keoko
Twelfth graders review facts about roles of Asia and Japan in World War II, read When My Name Was Keoko to familiarize themselves with daily life and historic events during World War II in Korea, and participate in student-led...
Curated OER
Meiji Modernization
Students analyze the significance of imperialism on the country of Japan. In groups, they use the internet to introduce themselves to the various Meiji leaders and their plans for the country of Japan. They describe the effects of...
Curated OER
Famous People of Japan
Students conduct research to follow several essential questions that guide the lesson. The concern of the student research is the finding of contributions of famous Japanese to the culture of the United States.
Curated OER
Shinto: The Way Of The Gods
Students research and analyze the roots of Shinto in this lesson about Japanese cultural practices and philosophy. Possible lesson enrichments and/or extensions are included with the lesson.
Curated OER
The Japanese Empire: The Beginning
Ninth graders explore empires by researching Japan's history. In this Japanese research lesson, 9th graders discuss the history of Japan and the elements of World War II that caused Japan to become an enemy of the United States. Students...
Curated OER
Historical Witness: Social Messaging
Research European expansionism and colonialism during the Age of Exploration. Study the Marquise de Miramon and discuss the objects from Japan. Research Europe's expansionism and colonialism during the Age of Exploration by working in...
Curated OER
The Tet Offensive and the Vietnam War
Students comprehend how the United States became involved in what one historian called the quagmire. Students identify and analyze the importance of the Tet Offensive in turning American public opinion against the Vietnam War. Students...
National Endowment for the Humanities
How "Grand" and "Allied" Was the Grand Alliance?
Learn more about the Grand Alliance with a scaffolded lesson plan that includes four activities. Class members use primary sources to complete a map exercise, understand the goals and objectives of each individual nation, and participate...
Curated OER
Late 19th Century U.S. Foreign Policy
Eleventh graders discover that many of the issues the United States faces today elicit the same type of political, philosophical and moral debate that has divided the country in the past.