Advanced Topics in History (320-0-1)

Topic

Korean War Legacies

Instructors

Ji-Yeon Yuh
847/467-6538
Harris Hall - Room 306 (Winter 2021 - Remote)

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L04: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This course is an upper-level seminar that offers an upside-down examination of the Korean War highlighting the narratives of Korean people, be they North Koreans, South Koreans, adoptees, mixed race Koreans, North Korean refugees, koryo saram, chosunjok, Korean Americans, Zainichi, or POW repatriation refusers.. It begins with an examination of the physical devastation of the war and the targeted use of methods and materials such as carpet bombing and napalm and then moves to a discussion of the ideological warfare tactics honed in the war's interrogation rooms. After a brief discussion of the two nation-states that emerged from the war, the course delves into the new categories of Koreans created by the war: Amerasians, adoptees, military brides, and Zainichi returnees to North Korea. The course concludes with an examination of the Korean War in memory, both collective and individual. The course draws on oral history interviews conducted by the instructor with military brides in the United States, Zainichi Koreans in Japan, and North Korean refugees in China and will include several assignments asking students with Korean language skills to listen to and analyze interview excerpts.

Registration Requirements

Attendance at first class mandatory

Learning Objectives

Gain foundational knowledge about how the Korean War was conducted and influenced how nations wage war Gain detailed knowledge about the consequences and legacies of the Korea War. Gain detailed knowledge of the variety of Koreans and how the Korean War played a key role in shaping that diversity. Build research skills, including document analysis and oral history analysis Build analytical skills Hone the ability to craft a tight historical argument based on historical evidence Build clear and concise writing skills.

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
SoC Individual and Social Behavior Distro