ATS2160 · Korea: Language, people and culture

Overview

In this unit you will critically examine the languages, cultures and societies of Korea and Koreans living on the Korean Peninsula and elsewhere around the world. The first half of the unit explores language, identity, gender, and sexuality. The second half of the unit focuses on the demographics of Korea with a particular focus on multiculturalism and migration (whether they are forced or voluntary). You will be introduced to major developments in the formation, distribution and projection of languages, identity and culture of Korea and the Korean diaspora, as well as accompanying socio-cultural and historical changes in contemporary Korea. An important goal in the unit will be to get away from a monolithic view of Korean language and culture and encourage you to engage in critical analysis of the inevitable variation and change that characterizes linguistic and cultural practices. Through a variety of reading materials, you will be exposed to different approaches for analysing language, culture and society. The unit will be conducted in English and will be open to students without any specific competence in Korean.

Areas of study: Global Asia Korean studies

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. evaluate important linguistic, cultural, societal and historical issues regarding the Korean language and people;
2. critically examine the ways that linguistic and cultural practices of Korean people living either on the Korean peninsula or elsewhere are connected to and indeed reflect society and culture;
3. critically read and interpret a variety of different texts on Korean language, culture and society;
4. critically discuss the different texts and contexts studied in the unit;
5. use appropriate theoretical and research tools.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.