The Korean Wave currently sweeping over the globe continues to raise considerable interest in contemporary South Korean popular culture. This course seeks to examine core components of this culture as they reflect and shape contemporary Korean society and its recent past. Topics include the original triptych of K-pop, television drama, and film, as well as creative industries behind the production and marketing of mass culture, language as a mirror of society, derivative consumer products, and transmission channels such as advertising and online media. Together these facets of South Korean culture facilitate understanding of the country as a whole. Taught by a rotation of different instructors, for 2025 ASIA3031 will focus on an analysis of Korean historical films.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to critically engage in discussions on various aspects of contemporary Korean culture and society.
2. Relate developments in the cultural products and industries to changes in consumer patterns.
3. Critically evaluate major paradigms in understanding contemporary culture in Korea with reference to contemporaneous global developments in theory and critique, and clearly articulate the analytical steps to a conclusion (written and oral expression).
4. Engage in analysis of an aspect of Korean popular culture that considers local or global developments, or both.
5. Identify patterns in the development of Korean entertainment, or in how industries or policymakers have responded to such developments.

Research-Led Teaching

For the weekly essays and preparation for class discussion, further independent reading and research will be expected.

Required Resources

Two textbooks, both authored by the instructor. The first, "Fate and Freedom", is available for free pdf download. The second, "A History of Korea" (3rd ed.), will need to be procured.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for frmative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment. ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Subtitle for the 2025 version of ASIA3031: "Filmic Dramatisations of History". 3 units of the Critical Thinking Graduate Attribute.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course introduction: Historical Films and Korean History. Overview of the course, which analyses Korean historical films as reflections of historical understanding and of artistic craftsmanship. Access to assigned weekly films will be online.	Discussion of preparatory required reading from second textbook, "A History of Korea (3rd ed.)", Introduction and Chapters 1-5.
2	"Fate and Freedom", Chapter 1: Early Joseon Era. Discussion of films set in the period. "History of Korea" Chs. 6-8.	Film viewings, quiz, weekly essay.
3	Chapter 2: Era of Foreign Invasions.	"History of Korea" Ch. 9. Film viewings, weekly essay, in-class presentation.
4	Chapter 3: 18th Century.	"History of Korea" Chs. 10-11. Film viewings, weekly essay, in-class presentation.
5	Chapter 4: 19th Century.	"History of Korea" Chs. 12-13. Film viewings, weekly essay, in-class presentation.
6	Chapter 5, Part 1: Great Korean Empire and Japanese Takeover Periods. Discussion of midterm projects.	"History of Korea" Chs. 14-16. Film viewings, weekly essay, in-class presentation.
7	Chapter 5, Part 2: Colonial Era.	"History of Korea" Chs. 17-19. Film viewings, weekly essay, in-class presentation.
8	Chapter 6: The Korean War.	"History of Korea" Chs. 20-22. Film viewings, weekly essay, in-class presentation.
9	Chapter 7, Part 1: Early Dictatorship Period in South Korea.	"History of Korea" Ch. 23. Film viewings, weekly essay, in-class presentation.
10	Chapter 7, Part 2: Yusin and 5th Republic Eras.	"History of Korea" Chs. 24, 26. Film viewings, weekly essay, in-class presentation.
11	Chapter 8, Part 1: Reconsiderations of SK History.	"History of Korea" Ch. 27. Film viewings, weekly essay, in-class presentation.
12	Chapter 8, Part 2: Gender and Class in the 21st Century. Discussion of final projects.	"History of Korea" Epilogue. Film viewings, weekly essay, in-class presentation.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Class participation 10%	10 %	23/07/2025	*	1, 2, 3, 4
In-class presentations (15%)	15 %	06/08/2025	11/08/2025	1,2,3,4
Weekly short essay (30%)	30 %	30/07/2025	11/08/2025	1,2,3,4
Midterm project (20%), due at end of Week 6 or early in first week of teaching break	20 %	02/09/2025	16/09/2025	2,3,4
Final project (25%), due in examination period	25 %	31/10/2025	11/11/2025	2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Class participation 10%

Active participation in class discussion about the weekly reading and especially viewing assignments is expected from all students. Each 3-hour weekly class session will be divided into two halves, with a 10-minute pause in between. Both halves of each class session will be discussion-centred. Fulfills the 3-unit Critical Thinking Graduate Attribute.

Assessment Task 2

In-class presentations (15%)

Over the semester, each student will give 2 in-class short presentations (5-10 mins) that analyse a film, theme, or historical issue as shown in films. Sign-ups start in Week 2, and the presentations begin in Week 3. Each of the two presentations weights as 7.5% of the total course grade.

Assessment Task 3

Weekly short essay (30%)

Based on the viewings and readings, the weekly short essay (~500 words) will compare at least two films on a specific question or issue, and drawing from the weekly film assignment or related films for that week's theme. Each essay, of which there will be ten in the semester, weights 3% of the course grade and will be evaluated according to how convincingly and clearly it demonstrates, through evidence and reasoning, the essay's argument. Fulfills the 3-unit Critical Thinking Graduate Attribute.

Assessment Task 4

Midterm project (20%), due at end of Week 6 or early in first week of teaching break

Based on consideration of the films and historical issues covered in Weeks 1-6, the midterm project will be a film review, expressed as a voice-over slide presentation or short video (approximately 12 minutes), of a single historical film. The title of the project will be in the form of a question that demands analyses, interpretation, and careful organisation. Assessment of the midterm project will be on 3 criteria: clarity and consistency of the project's answer to its question; analysis and interpretation of the film's cinematic/artistic qualities that demonstrate the project's answer; and use of visuals to demonstrate and enhance the project's answer. Fulfills the 3-unit Critical Thinking Graduate Attribute.

Assessment Task 5

Final project (25%), due in examination period

Based on consideration of the films and historical issues covered in Weeks 7-12, the final project will be a film review, expressed as a voice-over slide presentation or short video (approximately 15 minutes), of a single historical film. The title of the project will be in the form of a question that demands analyses, interpretation, and careful organisation. Assessment of the final project will be on 3 criteria: clarity and consistency of the project's answer to its question; analysis and interpretation of the film's cinematic/artistic qualities that demonstrate the project's answer; and use of visuals to demonstrate and enhance the project's answer. The submission will be divided into the slide presentation/video and the script of the voice-over (through Turn-It-In). Fulfills the 3-unit Critical Thinking Graduate Attribute.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students