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 mid-nineteenth century. In addition, we will pay special attention to the “traditional” period, notably 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 of Northeast Asia, such as Chinese-Korean and Japanese-Korean disputes. Thus, the class will handle how Korea relates to China and Japan and the crucial role Korea plays in Northeast Asia's cultural and political development. 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. Last but not least, this class will also touch upon an issue of traditional Korean encounters with a new international society, the so-called European international society, including Christianity and other “Western” traditions.

Students will understand Korean traditions and history, so that they will see the roots of contemporary Korean society.

Reading assigned materials before each class and raising questions during the class will be strongly encouraged.

* All the reading assignments will be uploaded into the Moodle at least two weeks before each class.
* Most recommended readings will be in the Asian Studies Library.

- Look at the MOODLE

100% Final Exam (two times in January 2025, One in June and one in August or September 2025)(Short answer or multiple choice questions & Essays).

written

30L: The student has a thorough understanding of the topics and issues presented in the course and the assigned readings.
28-30: The student almost masters the issues presented in the course and the assigned readings; he or she is capable of analyzing information and makes use of academic terminology;
26-27: The student has a good knowledge of the topics presented in the course and - to a lesser extent - in the assigned readings; he or she generally succeeds in analyzing information and is familiar with academic terminology;
24-25: The student does not always know thoroughly the topics presented in the course and the assigned readings; concepts are not always expressed through academic terminology;
22-23: The student has a mostly superficial knowledge of the topics presented in the course and the assigned readings; he or she is not always clear and generally lacks academic terminology;
18-21: The student has a superficial understanding of the topics presented in the course and the assigned readings; they are unclear and do not utilize academic terminology.

Lecture and Discussion. Usually, I use PowerPoint slides each week for my lecture, which will deal with reading assignments and more.

Bring many questions!