DELETED: Korean Contemporary History and Society (5cr)

Materials

The readings will be provided on Moodle course page.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content

The aim of this course is to discuss important events and critical junctures in Korean history that had a long-lasting impact on Korean societies. Political, economic, and ideological factors have profoundly shaped the societies of South and North Korea. Among the significant events and developments are the promotion of Neo-Confucianism during the Choson era, the arrival of the West, Japanese colonial rule, liberation and division, and decades of authoritarian rule in both Koreas. The different paths on which the two Koreas – sometimes forcibly – departed led to a democratic society in the South and a militarised society in the North. The first part of the course covers Korea’s history until the liberation and division of the Korean peninsula. After a brief introduction of Korea’s premodern history and the premodern dynastic states, most emphasis is given to Korea’s turbulent era from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. The second part of the course focuses on the more recent political history and societies of the two Korean states.

Objective

Students will be able to critically reflect on the contemporary political history of South and North Korea. Students understand crucial events in Korea’s modern history and their consequences for the countries’ political and socio-economic development. As for transferable skills, students will learn how to express ideas, synthesize new information and engage in class discussion. On the basis of the weekly readings students will learn to assess sources and to make reasoned judgements. Students will become familiar with academic English reading.

Methods of completion

Interactive lectures (24h), weekly readings and final exam