Advanced Topics in Korean Literature and Culture (340-0-20)
Topic
Transforming Seoul: From Imperial Periphery to Glo
Instructors
Dahye Kim
847/491-1350
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge 4-441
Office Hours: varies by quarter, please contact instructor
Meeting Info
University Hall 121: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
AY25 TRANSFORMING SEOUL: FROM IMPERIAL PERIPHERY TO GLOBAL SMART CITY
Since the late 19th century, Seoul has undergone a profound transformation, connecting its historical past to the forces of global urbanization. This course examines the city's modern and contemporary development through the lens of Marxist urban theory, analyzing how Seoul continuously produces new spaces to sustain global capitalist accumulation. A key focus of the course is the relationship between urbanization and cultural representation, drawing on Fredric Jameson's concept of "geopolitical aesthetics" to explore how literature, film, and media register the evolving social and economic landscape. By tracing the circulation of commodities, labor, and capital, we will consider how Seoul's history reflects broader global processes, including colonialism, Cold War nation-state formation, and post-Fordist globalization. Through interdisciplinary readings in urban studies, critical media studies, literary and film analysis, and cultural theory, students will gain a deeper understanding of Seoul's urban transformation and its significance within the wider context of planetary urbanization.
Teaching Method
This course will be taught as a discussion-based seminar. Lectures will serve as supplementary material, and assume prior familiarity with the readings.
Evaluation Method
1. Regular Attendance, Preparation of Readings, and Active participation: 35%
2. Midterm Essay: 15%
3. Individual Discussion Leading: 20%
4. Final Essay: 30%
Class Materials (Required)
All readings will be available on Canvas. Most of the films required for the course will be accessible through either Canvas or the official channel of the Korean Federation Film Archive on YouTube. The exception is Master (2016) and 1987: When the Day Comes (2017), both of which are available for $3.99 on both YouTube and Amazon Prime, and one episode of Itaewon Class (2020), accessible on Netflix.
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area