This course introduces Korean civilization from earliest times to the present. While a broad survey, the course emphasizes cultural themes and social institutions, and explores the Korean past in East Asian and global perspectives. To help with building this comprehensive view, the class follows a chronological progression of history using a textbook. But throughout, students also learn from diverse media-including film, drama, music, games, and primary historical sources-to make their own sense of Korea and Korean culture. In terms of methodology, the class adopts various approaches, from source criticism and material studies to critically engaging modern-day representations of Korea in print and new media. Some of the topics covered include: foundation myths, ancient literature, colonialism, civil war, authoritarianism, rapid industrialization, and democratization in Korea.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU IS; AS HUM; AS LCD; AS SD I; FA HUM; AR HUM