Introduction to East Asia: Korea

Catalog description

This course will take you on a whirlwind journey of Korean history and culture, beginning in prehistory and going up to the present. We will examine key historical events, social structures, and cultural developments that have shaped Korea over time. This course is not about memorizing names and dates but about understanding how and why Korea has changed the way it did. The course is structured into four parts: (1) the formation of Korean civilization, (2) Chosŏn Korea, (3) Korea under Japanese colonial rule (1910–1945), and (4) modern Korea from 1945 onward. Readings will include textbook chapters, scholarly articles, and translated excerpts from primary sources, complemented by artwork, films, and music. Throughout the semester, you will (1) gain a foundational understanding of Korean history, (2) become familiar with key terms and concepts used in historical analysis, (3) learn to use course materials to construct well-supported explanations of historical events, and (4) distinguish between primary and secondary sources. Additionally, you will learn to question arguments about history and determine whether conclusions drawn from historical sources are logical and well-founded. Class meetings will combine lectures and occasional short videos to help visualize historical developments, and discussions of assigned readings. Be prepared to engage actively in discussions and answer questions about the readings—completing them before class will be essential. The guiding questions outlined in the syllabus for each week will help you focus on key themes and prepare for meaningful discussions. No prior knowledge of Korea or the Korean language is required.