Global Humanities Lab (310-0-20)

Topic

Constructing North Korea

Instructors

Helen Cho

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CLASS IS BY APPLICATION ONLY, NO EXCEPTIONS. THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED. APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED ABOUT ACCEPTANCE ON NOVEMBER 13

How do we know what we think we know about North Korea? Join an interdisciplinary exploration of one of the world's most discussed yet least accessible countries through an immersive field experience in Seoul, South Korea. Building on work in Asian American Studies and media studies, students will investigate how narratives about North Korea are created, circulated, and contested across media, museums, tourism, and public discourse. The trip includes a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), tours of The Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) and the War Memorial of Korea, a walking tour of Itaewon and the site of the former Yongsan Garrison, and conversations with journalists from major international news organizations. Students will also engage with academic scholars and peers to examine South Korean perspectives on North Korea and compare them with dominant Western narratives. Designed for students interested in media, politics, culture, history, and international affairs, this experience challenges participants to think critically about knowledge production, representation, and the power of storytelling in shaping global understanding.

Registration Requirements

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CLASS IS BY APPLICATION ONLY, NO EXCEPTIONS. THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED. APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED ABOUT ACCEPTANCE ON NOVEMBER 13

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be available on Canvas.

Class Notes

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CLASS IS BY APPLICATION ONLY, NO EXCEPTIONS. THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED. APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED ABOUT ACCEPTANCE ON NOVEMBER 13

Attendance at the first class is mandatory.

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity