Modern Korea.

Catalog description

This course will examine the historical development of modern Korea, and thus explore the major historical events, themes, and issues in the Korean peninsula from the late-19th century to their ramifications in contemporary times. In doing so, the course will pay attention to local dynamics that shaped Korea's modernity, nationalism, colonization, division, industrialization, democratization, and shifting positions in East Asia and the world. Using both primary and secondary sources, the course will attempt to take a more comprehensive view of this story that includes approaching the development of modern Korea politically, economically, socially, as well as culturally. The course will also focus on issues of historiography in Korean history. HIST 291 is recommended but not required.