Korean Society through Film and Literature

Catalog description

In this course, students directly engage with the works of celebrated and emerging Korean writers and directors. They contextualize them by associating them with contemporary issues in Korean society, which are all linked—one way or another—with Korean history. From class struggles to gender disparities, but also with an emphasis on the experiences of minorities and the Korean diaspora, this seminar will provide students with an overview of the contemporary issues that animate the social debate in Korea. By comparing past contexts with the present ones, they will ultimately be able to think about the future trajectories of Korean society. Particular attention will be paid to adaptation, as we will sometimes compare an original work and its movie adaptation. Films in Korean with English subtitles. Readings and Discussion in English.