Lesson 6: Comparing Systems of Control
Duration of Days: 1
Lesson Objective
Students will compare North Korea’s system of control to earlier cases in the course to identify shared patterns and key differences in how crimes against humanity develop and persist.
What patterns repeat across different cases of mass harm, even when contexts differ?
Authoritarian control
Dehumanization
Escalation
Compliance
Systemic violence
State power
D2.His.6.9-12 Analyze how people’s perspectives shaped historical sources
D2.His.14.9-12 Analyze multiple and complex causes and effects of events in the past
D2.Civ.7.9-12 Apply civic virtues and democratic principles to historical and contemporary contexts
Students practice comparative analysis and synthesis, central to extended response and document-based questions.
This lesson is a structured group analysis rather than new content delivery. Students compare North Korea to previously studied cases to identify recurring mechanisms of control, escalation, and international response.
Purpose is comparative and analytical.
DOK: 3–4
Connections to how societies today recognize warning signs and evaluate threats before mass harm escalates.
Students may expect all cases to follow identical paths
Students may overemphasize ideology while ignoring structure
Students may assume awareness guarantees action
Guided comparison templates
Assigned roles within groups
Teacher-facilitated synthesis checkpoints
Group-produced comparative summary identifying at least three shared patterns and one key difference
Comparison worksheet or graphic organizer
Reference materials from earlier units
Whiteboard or chart paper for synthesis