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. This course is taught on a rotating basis by different instructors, allowing students to benefit from each instructor’s area of expertise.

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

Further independent reading and research will be expected for midterm and final research projects.

Required Resources

Weekly readings will be available on the course website.

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.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course Introduction to Korean Language and Approaches to Korean Culture	Please note this course schedule is subject to change. Sign-ups for in-class presentations & discussion response Discussion of preparatory required readings
2	Literary Chinese and Vernacular Korean in Pre-modern Korea
3	Korean Language and the Rise of Modern Nation-State	Mon. 9 March (Canberra Day): Public holiday In-class presentation and discussion facilitation
4	Language and Politics in Colonial Korea	In-class presentation and discussion facilitation Proposal Submission: Midterm Research Project (THU/19/03)
5	Language Policies in Postcolonial South Korea	In-class presentation and discussion facilitation
6	Language and Politics in North Korea	Fri. 03 April (Good Friday): Public holiday In-class presentation and discussion facilitation Final Submission: Midterm Research Project (FRI/10/04)
7	Korean Honorifics and Linguistic Politeness	Mon. 25 April (ANZAC Day): Public holiday In-class presentation and discussion facilitation
8	Gender, Slang and Korean Language	In-class presentation and discussion facilitation
9	Migration, Ethnicity and Korean Language	In-class presentation and discussion facilitation Sign-ups for Final Research Pair Presentation
10	Language in Globalising Korea	In-class presentation and discussion facilitation
11	Korean Language in Education and Media	In-class presentation and discussion facilitation
12	Mini-Conference & Wrap-up	Final Research Pair Presentation Submission: Final Research Project (FRI/05/06)

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Engagement with Readings & Discussions 15%	15 %	*	*	1,2,3,4
Two In-class Presentations: Talking Culture--Student-led Seminar Facilitation 15% (7.5%*2)	15 %	*	*	1,2,3,4
Mid-term Research Project: Interview on Language and Identity 25%	25 %	10/04/2026	24/04/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Final Research Project: Group Presentation 20%	20 %	26/05/2026	29/05/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Final Research Project: Feature Newspaper Article (appx. 2,000 words) 25%	25 %	05/06/2026	26/06/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* 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

Engagement with Readings & Discussions 15%

This course is taught in a seminar format and relies on consistent preparation and active participation. Students are expected to complete the assigned readings before the class in which they are discussed and to contribute thoughtfully to seminar discussions.

Weekly Seminar Participation (10%)

For each selected week, students must:

1. Submit at least one discussion question for each assigned reading prior to class: Weeks 2–11, except for two weeks when students are scheduled for in-class presentations.
2. Discussion questions should demonstrate engagement with the key arguments, concepts, or issues raised in the readings: Actively participate in seminar discussions, including responding to the discussion questions of others. Marks are awarded based on the quality of engagement, not quantity. Attendance alone does not constitute participation.

Individual Discussion Response (500 words) (5%)

Each student must submit one individual discussion response (approximately 500 words) between Week 3 and Week 11. This written response should draw on course materials and class discussion from a specific week or theme. The purpose of this task is to deepen engagement with course content, develop critical thinking, and practice academic communication. Rather than summarising the readings, students are expected to reflect on and critically engage with key ideas, questions, or arguments raised in the readings and seminar discussions.

Submission details:

• Length: Approximately 500 words (±10%)
• Submission deadline: The week of the relevant theme
• Sign-up period: Begins in Week 2

Students will be assessed on:

• Strong, critical engagement with readings and class discussion
• A clear, independent, and well-supported argument or reflective response
• Clear, coherent, and well-organised writing using appropriate academic style

Formatting requirements:

Include a title (in the form of a question), double-spaced, 2-cm margins all four sides, insert page numbers. .DOCX file only.

 

The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific’s Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item and can be found here:

https://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/cap-word-limit-and-penalty-guidelines.

Assessment Task 2

Two In-class Presentations: Talking Culture--Student-led Seminar Facilitation 15% (7.5%*2)

Between Week 3 and Week 11, each student will lead two seminar discussions based on the assigned readings for two different weeks. Each discussion session will run for approximately 25–30 minutes and is designed to develop skills in critical reading, academic discussion, and collaborative learning.

Each seminar session should include:

• Analytical overview (approximately 10 minutes), followed by
• Discussion facilitation and activities (approximately 15–20 minutes)

PowerPoint slides should be submitted by 9:00 pm one day prior to the presentation date. Each presentation is worth 7.5% (15% total). Presentations commence in Week 3, following the sign-up period in Week 2.

Students will be assessed on the following criteria:

1. Understanding of Course Readings and Critical Analysis (3 marks)
2. Discussion Design and Facilitation (5 marks)
3. Engagement and Professionalism (2 marks)

Assessment Task 3

Mid-term Research Project: Interview on Language and Identity 25%

Students will conduct a sociolinguistic interview with a speaker of Korean or a bilingual/multilingual speaker who uses Korean to explore the relationship between language use and identity. Through the interview, students will analyse how the participant discusses their language practices, attitudes, and experiences, and reflect on how language relates to identity factors such as age, generation, nationality, gender, education, migration background, or social relationships. This task is designed to help students develop skills in qualitative data collection, sociolinguistic analysis, and critical reflection, while applying theoretical frameworks and course concepts to real-world language use. The task is divided into two components:

1. Proposal – due THU/19/03 (5%)
2. 15-minute voice-over slide presentation or short video – due FRI/10/04 (20%)

Please submit a video file in .mp4 format. On PowerPoint or Keynote, you can export the slides file, with your timed voice-over narrative, as a video file. Please upload that video file to the course website.

Rubric

Research Design & Proposal	Interview Conduct & Data Collection	Analysis & Critical Reflection	Presentation & Communication	Engagement with Sociolinguistic Concepts
5	5	7	8	5

Assessment Task 4

Final Research Project: Group Presentation 20%

Students will work in a group to plan and deliver an engaging, conversational podcast-style discussion or debate based on their own research interests. Although the podcast is presented collaboratively, each student will develop and share an independent research focus, taking on the role of either a podcast host or guest. The aim of this assessment is to explore how language is used and the role it plays in navigating social, political, and historical challenges, past and present. Students are expected to critically examine real-world examples, drawing on both course concepts and independent research. The project title must be framed as a research question that invites analysis, interpretation, and careful organisation of ideas. Each student must engage with at least five primary and/or secondary sources (academic texts, policy documents, media texts, interviews, etc.), which should be clearly referenced later in their final research article (See Assessment Task 5). Sign-ups will starts in Week 10.

The podcast must be conducted live in class during Week 12.

• Each pair will deliver:
• 20 minutes of structured podcast discussion or debate
• 10 minutes of peer-review discussion with the class
• The live podcast will be audio-recorded and submitted for marking purposes

Rubric

Structure & Organisation	Content & Understanding	Analysis & Critical Thinking	Presentation & Communication
10	30	40	20

Assessment Task 5

Final Research Project: Feature Newspaper Article (appx. 2,000 words) 25%

Drawing on knowledge and insights developed during the Final Research Project Pair Presentation, each student will write an individual research-based feature article suitable for publication in the Melbourne Asia Review. This task is designed to help students consolidate their research, critically engage with scholarly and public sources, and communicate complex ideas to a broader audience in a clear, professional, and engaging manner.

The feature article should:

• Build on the topic explored in your podcast presentation, while presenting your own independent analysis and interpretation.
• Engage critically with at least five primary and/or secondary sources (academic texts, media reports, policy documents, interviews, etc.)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the social, cultural, or political contexts of your topic in North or South Korea
• Translate research findings into a clear, accessible, and compelling narrative suitable for an informed general readership

Submission: Final Research Project (FRI/05/06)

Requirements

• Title: Craft an engaging and informative title
• Structure: Introduction, body, and conclusion, clearly guiding the reader through your argument
• References: Cite all sources appropriately in an academic style (APA, Chicago, or consistent alternative). Use a consistent system of Korean Romanisation throughout.
• Originality: The article must be written individually; plagiarism will not be tolerated
• Formatting: Include name and project title (in the form of a question), double-spaced, 2-cm margins all four sides, insert page numbers. DOCX file only.

Rubric

Structure & Organisation	Content & Understanding	Analysis & Critical Thinking	Style & Communication	Use of Sources & Referencing
10	30	40	10	10

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