The Korean Studies Major develops students' sophisticated understanding of the dynamics that have shaped Korea and its relationship with the world. Situated at the geopolitical centre of Northeast Asia, Korea has long played a significant role in shaping transformations within the region and beyond. The division of the Korean peninsula into North and South Korea since 1945 made Korea a strategically important player in the politics of the Cold War, and the legacy of that Great Power competition resonates to the present. The Major consists of a wide range of courses on history, politics, society, and culture, offering an interdisciplinary and transnational perspective. Students will gain nuanced understanding of the past and the present of the peninsula as well as insights into current affairs related to North and South Korea. The Korea Studies Major complements the Korean language Major but Korean language proficiency is not required for courses in the Korean Studies Major.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop and apply critical thinking skills to understand and evaluate historical and current events and developments that have shaped Korea,
- Identify and critique the contemporary socio-cultural and political systems of Korea,
- Analyse developments in Korea in their regional and global contexts,
- Understand the processes and disciplinary approaches through which current knowledge about Korean studies has developed.
Areas of Interest
- Anthropology
- Cultural Studies
- Gender Studies
- History
- Asian Studies
- Asia Pacific Studies
- Film
- Politics
- International Security
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
The Korean Studies Major requires the completion of 48 units, which must include:
24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
ASIA2040 The Making of Modern Korea
ASIA2049 Politics and Society in Contemporary Korea
ASIA3031 Cultures in Korean Society: Filmic Dramatisations of History
ASIA3088 The Korean War
A minimum of 6 units from completion of advanced courses from the following list:
ASIA3033 Rethinking Northeast Asia: Region, Culture and Society
KORE3015 Advanced Korean A: Film and Society
KORE3018 Advanced Korean B: Culture and History
A maximum of 18 units from completion of textual courses from the following list:
ASIA2006 Gender in Korean History
ASIA2074 Popular Culture in East Asia
ASIA2096 North Korea: History, Culture, Politics
ASIA5925 Global Semester
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