Topics in Korean Literature and Culture: Buddhist Culture of Korea

This course examines how Korean popular music, or K-pop, has become a global cultural phenomenon and how it is related to the historical, social, cultural, and political shifts on the Korean peninsula from the beginning of the 20th century to present. The course considers a wide range of factors of K-pop, including fans, idols, music production and circulation, industry, media, and national involvement in the field, in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamic cultural phenomenon of K-pop. Through various scholarly approaches, this class deepens one's understanding of K-pop and popular music more broadly. The class will utilize audio/video sources, incorporate discussions based on academic articles and chapters, and require student analysis that connects popular music to its context. In addition to scholarly investigation, students are encouraged to engage with K-pop through hands-on performances, writing reviews, creating public-facing resources, and/or interviewing fans for the final project. No background in Korean language, history, or culture is required.
Course Attributes: EN H; BU BA; AS HUM; AS LCD; AS SD I; UC CD; FA HUM; AR HUM

Topics in Korean Literature and Culture: Buddhist Culture of Korea

KOREAN 355

Section 01