HISTORY OF KOREA 1

This is a general survey course on pre-modern Korean history, dealing with the context of political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions from the ancient period to the early nineteenth century. In addition, we will pay special attention to the “traditional” period, particularly including Koryŏ (918-1392) and Chosŏn (1392-1910) dynasties while discussing Korea’s diverse native innovations, thoughts and religious traditions. Although this is an introductory course, we will deal with many present and thorny issues relevant to the whole Northeast Asia such as Chinese-Korean and Japanese-Korean disputes. Thus, the class will handle the way Korea had related to China and Japan, and the crucial role Korea played in the cultural and political development of Northeast Asia. Also, we will talk about the legacy of traditional Korean culture such as Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism in the present and its implications for the future. At last, not the least, this class also will touch upon an issue of traditional Korean encounter with a new international society, so called European international society, including Christianity and its persecution.

Students will have a basci understanding of traditional Korea in terms of political, social, and economical aspects.

Reading and Active Participation will be strongly encouraged.

Please check all the weekly reading assignments and other information in a syllabus which will be uploaded in Moddle.

Required Readings (Asian Studies Library).
1. Eckert, Carter J. et al. Korea Old and New: A History. Seoul: Ilchogak, 1990.
2. Hwang, Hyung Moon. A History of Korea: An Episodic Narrative. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010.
3. Ebrey, Patricia, Anne Walthal, and James Palais, East Asia: A Cultural, Social, and Political History. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2009 (2nd edition).
4. Lee, Peter H., and Wm. Theodore de Bary, eds. Sources of Korean Tradition, volume I. New York: Columbia University Press, 1997 (Primary sources!)
5. Ch’oe, Yongho, Peter H. Lee, and Wm. Theodore de Bary, eds. Sources of Korean Tradition, volume II. New York: Columbia University Press, 2000 (Primary sources!)

Optional Readings for Further Studies or Research
1. Deuchler, Martina. Under the Ancestor’s Eyes: Kinship, Status, and Locality in Premodern Korea. Cambridge, MA:
Harvard University Press, 2015.
2. Deuchler, Martina. The Confucian Transformation of Korea: A Study of Society and Ideology. Cambridge, MA:
Harvard University Press, 1992.
3. The Organization of Korean Historians, Seoul (edited and translated by Michael D. Shin). Everyday Life in Joseon-
Era Korea: Economy and Society. Leiden·Boston: Global Oriental, 2014.
4. Haboush, Jahyun Kim and Martina Deuchler, eds. Culture and the State in Late Chosŏn. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Asia Center, 1999.
5. Korean National Commission for UNESCO ed. Korean History: Discovery of Its Characteristics and Developments. Elizabeth, NJ∙Seoul: Hollym, 2004.
6. Kim, Youngmin and Michael J. Pettid eds., Women and Confucianism in Chosŏn Korea: New Perspectives, NY: SUNY Press, 2011.
7. Seth, Michael J. A History of Korea: From Antiquity to the Present. New York etc, Rowman & Littlefield Publishes, Inc., 2011.

- 100% Final Exam
- Two times in January, 2021, One in June, and one more in September
- Multiple choices and Essay.

- Mostly lecture and discussion

English

- Most readings are reserved in the Asian Studies Library.

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Climate change and energy" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development