ASIAN 2269 - Korean Popular Culture

(crosslisted) AAS 2269, PMA 2465
(GB) (ALC-AS, CA-AS)

Fall. 3 credits. Student option grading.

I. Yi.

This course introduces Korean popular culture in global context. Beginning with cultural forms of the late Chosŏn period, the course will also examine popular culture during the Japanese colonial period, the post-war period, the democratization period, and contemporary Korea. Through analysis of numerous forms of media, including films, television, music, literature, and music videos, the course will trace the emergence of the “Korean Wave” in East Asia and its subsequent global impact. In our examination of North and South Korean cultural products, we will discuss theories of transnationalism, globalization, and cultural politics. The course will consider the increasing global circulation of Korean popular culture through new media and K-Pop’s transculturation of forms of American music such as rap and hip-hop. Readings for the course will be in English or in English translation and no prior knowledge of Korean culture is required. (SC)