Korean Popular Culture

Catalog description

This course introduces Korean popular culture in global context. Beginning with cultural forms of the late Choson period, the course will also examine popular culture during the Japanese colonial period, the post-war period, the democratization period, and contemporary Korea. Through analysis of numerous forms of media, including films, television, music, literature, and music videos, we will explore the emergence of the ?Korean Wave? in East Asia and its subsequent global impact. We will consider the increasing global circulation of Korean popular culture through new media and K-Pop?s transculturation of forms of American music such as rap. Readings for the course will be in English or in English translation and no prior knowledge of Korean culture is required. (ASIAN-SC)