Korean Language and Culture Specialisation

Total units 24 Units

Areas of interest Asian Languages, Translation Studies, Asian Studies, Asia Pacific Studies, Language Studies More...
Specialisation code KORE-SPEC

Academic career Postgraduate
Academic Contact Roald Maliangkay

Korean is the official language of North and South Korea and is spoken by Korean communities around the world; altogether more than 80 million people worldwide speak Korean. Korean is distinguished by a unique indigenous alphabet developed in the fifteenth century by the sage King Sejong. Sophisticated yet easy to learn, the Korean alphabet or Hangeul is widely known as “the beautiful script”.

At ANU, Korean is taught in a way that balances learning to communicate with developing student’s ability to begin to learn and appreciate some of the rich cultural resources available in Korean literature, film, culture and society. In an era of rapidly increasing connections between Korea and Australia a knowledge of Korean offers students the possibility to participate in the growing ties between these countries.

A student may not take a course if that course is a prerequisite for another course which they have already passed, or a course that is a lower level than a course they have already passed.

Students with prior knowledge of the language will be required to take a placement test.

Career opportunities

This specialisation will advance your career in language-related and cross-cultural work in government and non-government organisations, language technologies or as an independent language practitioner or researcher.

Learning Outcomes

Recognise and pronounce all consonants and vowel sounds of Korean.
Read and write the Korean alphabet and its consonant clusters with accuracy.
Demonstrate an understanding of grammatical points and constructions to appropriately conduct both written and oral communication in frequently occurring situations.
Demonstrate competence in everyday spoken language and in some depth on such topics as travel, dining, holidays, hobbies, peer group communication, and oneâ€™s own life and interests.
Demonstrate an understanding of cultural communication practices in interpersonal relationships in university, social life and family; and of cultural practices such as national festivals, customs and cultures of food and drink.

Other Information

Students with previous “language experience or exposure” are required to take a language placement test to ensure enrolment at the most appropriate level.

Relevant past experience includes:

- Previous study of the language (both formal and informal, for example but not limited to, at school, or, home, or through online activities, etc.)

- Being exposed to the language in childhood via a family member or friend

- Travel or living in a country where the language is spoken

- The language being spoken in your home (even if you do not speak it yourself)

Students who are not sure if they need to take a placement test should seek advice from the course or language convenor.

Students who intentionally misrepresent their language proficiency level may be investigated under the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 as having failed to comply with assessment directions and having sought unfair advantage. This may results in a penalty such as reduced grades or failure of the course.

Students are not permitted to enrol in a language course below one that they have already successfully completed, except with permission of the language and/or course convenor.