KORE3015 is designed to elevate students’ language proficiency with nuance and sophistication. Students will gain fluent conversational skills by engaging with a variety of textual and visual materials. The course focuses on an immersive experience in real-life conversations and the interpretation of societal phenomena through Korean cinema. Students will hone their linguistic fluency by engaging in in-depth analysis of films and critical discourses student while deepening their understanding of Korean society and culture. In addition, students will cultivate research skills in order to conduct their own film critiques. By integrating the study of language with the exploration of diverse films, students also enhance their sociocultural understanding of Korea.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate a sophisticated command of the spoken or written vocabulary, sentence structures, and styles appropriate to a wide range of topics on Korean film and society.
- Independently gather and critically appraise Korean source materials; summarise and evaluate the main ideas of complex Korean texts.
- Critique the linguistic and visual styles used in different film genres using specialist words, phrases, and concepts.
- Read and analyse a range of cultural and socio-political phenomena in Korean either orally or in writing.
- Critically discuss complex issues fluently in Korean either orally or in writing with reference to primary source Korean language materials.
Recommended Resources
- Movie magazine: Cine21 (??21) www.cine21.com
- Korean Film Archive (???????): https://www.koreafilm.or.kr/main
- For pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and more: Naver English Korean Dictionary App
Korean Dictionary for foreigners, Today’s Korean Conversation, and etc. Apps for both Apple and android available
- Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK) Website: https://talktomeinkorean.com/
Youtube Chanel: https://www.youtube.com/user/talktomeinkorean
- Watch Korean TV programs for free:
- SBS VOD: Apps for both Apple and android available
- VIKI Rakuten TV: Stream Korean Dramas and TV Shows with English subtitles for free (https://www.viki.com/) Apps for both Apple and android available
- Netflix & Language Learning with Netflix (extension): Some Korean shows/Dramas even allow you to switch between English and Korean subtitles (https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/language-learning-with-ne/hoombieeljmmljlkjmnheibnpciblicm?hl=en)
- Listen to Korean news and radio programs in English: http://world.kbs.co.kr/service/index.htm?lang=e
- EBS Bandi App: Learn Korean in English: https://vimeo.com/271828272
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:- Written comments
- Verbal comments
- Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups
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). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course Introduction | Please note this course schedule is subject to change.
|
| 2 | Gender in Korea * Film 1: 82 ?? ??? ' Jiyoung, Born 1982' |
|
| 3 | Readings & discussions on Film 1 |
|
| 4 | Diversity in Korea * Film 2: ???? ??? 'Like a Virgin' |
|
| 5 | Readings and discussions on Film 2 |
|
| 6 | Review & Midterm Oral Test |
|
| 7 | Family and Identity in Korea * Film 3: ??? 'A Brand New Life' |
|
| 8 | Readings & discussions on Film 3 |
|
| 9 | Lookism in Korea * Film 4: ??? ??? '200 Pounds Beauty' | |
| 10 | Readings & discussions on Film 4 |
|
| 11 | Final Oral Presentation Preparation Week |
|
| 12 | Final Oral Presentation & Wrap-up |
|
Tutorial Registration
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participation 10% | 10 % | * | * | 1,3,5 |
| Individual Oral Presentations (10%*2) on W3 & W5 | 20 % | * | * | 1,3,5 |
| Mid-term Oral Test 15%: Peer Film Review Live Podcast (Pair) | 15 % | 02/04/2026 | 09/04/2026 | 1,3,5 |
| Group Oral Presentation 10%: Social and Cultural Issues in Korean Film | 10 % | * | * | 1,2,4,5 |
| Final Oral Presentation 20%: My Film Pitch | 20 % | * | * | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Final Written Test 25%: Film Critique (+/- 800-1000 words) | 25 % | * | * | 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 Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
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 ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.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.Participation
See Assessment 1 for details.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,3,5
Participation 10%
Participation is a key part of this student-led course. To receive participation marks, you must take part regularly and actively in both pre-class and in-class activities.
1. Pre-Class Activities (5%): Film Handbook
You must watch all FOUR assigned films and complete the following for each film. Upload them to the course website by 6:00 PM on Saturdays (See the Class Overview for exact dates.)
What to submit:
- 10 useful keywords or expressions from the film (in Korean and English)
- Short reflection in Korean: What you liked and/or disliked about the film, and why
- One-sentence star rating review: A short description of the film with your own star rating
2. In-Class Participation (5%)
Marks are based on how actively you participate, not just on attendance. You are expected to:
- Join class discussions and activities (group work, peer feedback, writing tasks, Q&A, etc.)
- Speak freely and try using Korean—making mistakes is okay and encouraged
Participation levels:
- 4–5: Active and consistent participation
- 2–3: Some participation, but not consistent
- 1: Very limited participation
Important Notes
- Participation marks are only awarded for classes you attend. If you expect to be absent, please let the instructor know at least 12 hours in advance.
- If you have ongoing difficulties participating or need accommodations, contact the course convenor early in the semester.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,3,5
Individual Oral Presentations (10%*2) on W3 & W5
Each student will deliver two individual 5-minute oral presentations in Korean in Week 3 and Week 5. The presentations are based on the featured films studied in Week 2 and Week 4. Students may choose the order in which they complete the two presentation types, provided that both are completed by the end of Week 5. Each presentation should begin with a brief introduction that outlines the context of the topic and introduces key expressions needed to understand the presentation. Presentations will be followed by questions and comments from the audience. Presentation slots will be signed up in Week 1.
Presentation Types:
- Film Review: Students will present a critical review of the assigned film, focusing on themes, characters, cinematic elements, and personal analysis (-? form).
- Creative Storytelling: Assume the role of a character and deliver a 5-minute monologue addressed to another character. The listener does not speak, but their presence, relationship to you, and shared context should be clearly conveyed through your language, tone, and storytelling (-? form or ??). Before beginning your performance, briefly explain the context of the situation so that the audience understands who the characters are, their relationship, and what is happening. This task values creativity, authenticity, and effective communication rather than memorisation or theatrical performance.
Submission Guidelines:
- Written compositions must be submitted to the course website by 6:00 PM on the day before your scheduled presentation. Submissions must be in MS Word format, double-spaced, to allow for instructor feedback.
- Before beginning your presentation, provide the audience with a one-page handout to guide audience understanding, including:
- A vocabulary list (maximum 15 key expressions); and
- One comprehension question
Academic Integrity and Use of AI: Use of AI to generate content is not permitted.
https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/academic-integrity/best-practice-principles/guide-for-students-best
This assessment is designed to develop advanced Korean language proficiency through critical analysis, creative expression, and oral communication. Students will demonstrate their ability to present ideas clearly, accurately, and fluently in Korean, using appropriate language styles and registers. Presentations will be evaluated according to the criteria outlined below.
Rubric
| Basic Requirements | Content and Organisation | Language Proficiency | Delievery | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 40 | 30 | 20 |
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,3,5
Mid-term Oral Test 15%: Peer Film Review Live Podcast (Pair)
Students will work in pair to co-host a live film review podcast in Korean, critically discussing Film 1 and Film 2 featured in this course. The podcast must be conducted as a dialogue-based discussion, not a scripted monologue or one-way presentation. Each student will speak for approximately 10 minutes, contributing equally through questioning, responding, and collaborative development of ideas. Students will also respond individually to instructor follow-up questions.
- Date: Week 6 (Thursday)
- Pair sign-ups: Week 3
- Length: 20 minutes for 2 students (10 minutes per student)
This assessment is designed to develop students’ ability to:
- Analyse films and socio-cultural issues critically in the target language
- Express complex ideas fluently and appropriately in spontaneous, extended interaction
- Develop discussions that build on, extend from, and/or depart from course content introduced in class
Students will be assessed individually according to the criteria outlined below.
Rubric
| Language Proficiency | Quality of Analysis | Interactive and Effective Interaction | Organisation | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
30 | 40 | 20 | 10 |
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4,5
Group Oral Presentation 10%: Social and Cultural Issues in Korean Film
In groups of two or three, students will give a structured, research-informed oral presentation in Korean (5-min per student) and lead a 10-min class discussion. The presentation must identify and analyse one or more social and/or cultural issues shown in, or connected to, one film featured in Week 7 or Week 9. Each group must consult two to three external media or academic sources and connect the film to real-world contexts, showing critical engagement beyond a plot summary. Sign-ups will start in Week 3.
- Group size: 2–3 students
- Length: 5 minutes per student
- 2 students = 10 minutes total
- 3 students = 15 minutes total
- Delivery: Week 8 or Week 10
Submission Guidelines:
- Presentation outline or slides (one file per group) must be submitted to Canvas by 6:00 PM on the day before your scheduled presentation. Submissions must be in PPT or PDF format.
- Key points only (not a full script)
- Any glossary or visual aids to help the audience follow the content
- Two or three comprehension questions and one discussion question (included at the end of slides)
- Reference list: Clearly indicate which source was used by which student; and use a consistent referencing style
This task is designed to develop students’ ability to:
- Analyse, evaluate, and discuss a film critically in Korean.
- Demonstrate awareness of how films engage with social and cultural issues
- Integrate external sources into spoken academic discourse
Students will demonstrate their ability to present ideas clearly, accurately, and fluently in Korean, using appropriate language styles and registers. Presentations will be evaluated both individually and as a group, according to the criteria outlined below.
Rubric
| Collaboration & Delivery | Quality of Analysis | Social & Cultural Engagement | Language Proficiency | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 | 30 | 20 | 30 |
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Final Oral Presentation 20%: My Film Pitch
Students will deliver an individual oral presentation in Korean in the form of a film review–style pitch. The presentation introduces a film of the student’s choice not covered in the course and serves as a critical guide for an educated general audience interested in Korean society and culture. The task emphasises analysis and evaluation rather than description. Incorporate 2-3 credible external source (e.g. film criticism, news articles, interviews, or statistical data) to support your pitch.The assessment consists of a 5-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute interactive Q&A session, requiring thoughtful and critically informed responses.
- Format: 5-minute film pitch + 10-minute Q&A (5–6 questions; responses of approximately 1–1.5 minutes each)
- Total length: 15 minutes
- Date: Week 12
Film choice must be confirmed by Week 7. A brief outline or key discussion points may be requested in advance. Week 11 is dedicated to final preparation, including a 10-minute pitch rehearsal and a collaborative research workshop using secondary sources.
This task is designed to develop students’ ability to:
- Analyse, evaluate, and discuss a film critically in Korean.
- Demonstrate awareness of how films engage with social and cultural issues
- Engage in interactive discussion through effective responses to follow-up questions.
Students will be assessed individually according to the criteria outlined below.
Rubric
| Quality of Analysis | Social & Cultural Engagement | Interactive and Effective Delivery | Language Proficiency | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
40 | 20 | 10 | 30 |
Assessment Task 6
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5
Final Written Test 25%: Film Critique (+/- 800-1000 words)
Building on insights developed in the final oral presentation, students will produce a focused, newspaper-style film critique of a film of their choice. The critique should present a clear, engaging, and critically informed perspective that helps readers understand the film’s value, meaning, and broader impact. Interpretations must be supported with specific examples from the film and 2-3 credible external source (e.g. film criticism, news articles, interviews, or statistical data) to strengthen the analysis.
Requirements
- Word count: 800–1,000 words
- Style: Newspaper film critique--accessible, critical, and analytical
- Date: Exam period (TBA)
- Duration: In-class writing assessment (2.5 hours)
This task is designed to develop students’ ability to:
- Analyse, evaluate, and discuss a film critically in relevant social and cultural contexts.
- Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in a coherent, engaging, and well-structured critique.
- Select, integrate, and reference relevant external sources to support analysis and contextual understanding.
Rubric
| Critical Analysis and Interpretation | Social & Cultural Engagement | Organisation | Language Proficiency | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
40 | 20 | 10 | 30 |
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.Online Submission
Online submission must meet the following requirements:
- All written assignments, hand-written or typed exams must provide enough room for any correction or feedback needed. Please write or type in every other line.
- Convert your documents to a correct file format before submitting them to the course website.
- Typed assignments must be double-spaced in 12-point font and be submitted in an MS Word file (.docx).
- Hand-written essays must be submitted in a PDF file (NO .png, .jpg, etc.).
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (handwritten assignments, artworks, 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
Students who need an extension should obtain prior approval from the instructor. Full credit will be granted only for assignments turned in on time. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day: i.e., 1 day late 10% deduction, 2 days late 20% deduction, etc. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the original due date without an Extenuating Circumstances Application. In order to avoid a penalty, students are encouraged to submit their assignments prior to the deadlines.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.Returning Assignments
Teachers will endeavour to return all assignments within two weeks.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions 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.Resubmission of Assignments
Assignments may sometimes be resubmitted, but only upon the instruction/invitation of the course tutor.
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 Diversity and inclusion 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 and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
|
|
|||
Research InterestsKorean language and culture; language pedagogy; linguistic politeness; language ideology; linguistic anthropology |
||||
Dr EUNSEON KIM
|
|
|||||||||
Instructor
|
|
|||
Research Interests |
||||
Dr EUNSEON KIM
|
|
|||||||||
