ASIAN 2218 - [Introduction to Korea]

(GB) (CA-AS)

Spring. Next Offered: 2019-2020. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Staff.

This is an introductory course that approaches the history and culture of Korea from a broader East Asian perspective. While focusing on key aspects in shaping premodern and modern Korean identity, we will place Korea in a larger cross-national context, particularly its close interactions with China and Japan. By reading primary and secondary sources combined with visual materials, we will chronologically and thematically examine major historical moments, from Korea’s participation in and exit from a Sino-centric premodern world order, Japanese colonialism and its ramifications in Korean society, economic development and democratization, to the rising popularity of Korean popular culture. No knowledge of Korean is necessary. (GE)