Introductory Topics in Korean Literature and Culture (240-0-20)
Topic
Contemp. Women Authors of South Korean & Feminist
Instructors
Dahye Kim
847/491-1350
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge 4-441
Office Hours: varies by quarter, please contact instructor
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
AY 22-23 The cultural importance of women writers in South Korea has been ever growing since the 1990s not just due to their increasing number and commercial success, but also because of their distinctive literary achievements and political voices. In this course we will trace this recent development in literary and cultural history against the backdrop of larger socio-political changes in South Korea. In particular, we will study the neo-liberalization of society through the restructuring of the gendered division of labor and the waning hegemony of nationalist realism that once effectively united labor activism and class politics.
Teaching Method
Discussion and lectures
Evaluation Method
1. Regular attendance and preparation of all readings and active participation
2. Short writing assignments
3. Discussion leading
4. Final paper
Class Materials (Required)
Gong Ji-young, Human Decency, trans. Bruce and Ju-Chan Fulton (Seoul: ASIA Publishers, 2012)
Han Kang, The Vegetarian: A Novel, trans. Deborah Smith (London: Hogarth, 2015)
Shin Kyung-sook, The Girl Who Wrote Loneliness, trans. Ha-yun Jung (New York: Pegasus Books, 2015)
Bora Chung, Cursed Bunny, trans. Anton Hur (Honford Star, 2021)
All other assigned readings are accessible through Canvas.
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area