Introductory Topics in Korean Literature and Culture (240-0-20)
Topic
Introduction to Korean Culture
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
AY24 In 2017, the world witnessed a profound aspiration for national reconciliation and the possible future reunification of the Korean peninsula. Indeed, this aspiration for reunion expresses a vigorous and deep historical belief in the shared ethnic and cultural heritage of the entire peninsula that imagines North and South Korea as tragically and temporarily separated entities bound to be reunited. At the same time, the contemporary everyday meaning of the word "Korea" (hankuk) is often limited to only their nation for many young South Koreans. How do we understand this seeming contradiction? With this question in mind, this course provides students with a set of critical frames for exploring Korean history and culture while simultaneously questioning presumptions of a nation or civilization with an unchanging or seemingly "natural" essence. This course focuses on the modern cultural history of the Korean peninsula by investigating the discursive constructions of national subjectivity carried out by disparate groups and social institutions since the Choson Dynasty's inclusion in the modern nation-state world system and the political realities resulting from those discursive constructions. The term culture in the course title is defined in a broad sense as it encompasses not only works of art but also systems of thought and social practices developed throughout the history of modern Korea.
Learning Objectives
This course is designed to give students a set of critical techniques for exploring Korean culture through its art, literature, history, and systems of thought.
Teaching Method
Discussion with lectures. Students are required to participate actively in class discussions and in-class activities. Active participation requires completing all assigned readings before coming to class and being prepared to contribute to a lively and informed class discussion. The lectures will assume familiarity with the readings, and all assignments will be drawn from both lectures and readings.
Evaluation Method
Grades will largely be determined by student comprehension of lectures and readings, discussion, and a combination of smaller and in-depth writing assignments.
Class Materials (Required)
All assigned readings are accessible through Canvas.
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area