Prospectus

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Divided Korea

Course
2018-2019

Admission requirements

Admission to BA Korea/Japan/China Studies and BA International Studies students only and only those who successfully completed Methods and Issues in Korean Culture, with a maximum of 20 students.

Description

This seminar discards the conventional reading of mutually exclusive South Korean and North Korean histories. Starting from the simple point that the division of Korea is an exceedingly recent historical fact, we explore how the social, political and cultural development of each Korean state and society can only be fully understood when taking into account: (1) the challenges posed by the other Korean state and society over time; and (2) the challenges posed to both Koreas at the same time by trends in world history since 1945.

We will use readings drawn from Korea’s contemporary social, political and cultural history, paying specific attention to how the two states have dealt with the challenge not only of existing alongside one another, but also living at a crossroads for the major powers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The seminar serves as an opportunity for critical reflection on the ordering principles of history and how unspoken concepts may influence how history is written. In doing so, we learn to critically think about the nature and results of historical research.

Course objectives

This course has three main goals: (1) to cultivate an awareness of the entanglements that constitute Korean contemporary histories; (2) to develop the analytical skills of students through close readings of textual and visual materials; and (3) to develop reporting and presentation skills.

Timetable

For more information see: Timetable

Mode of instruction

Seminar

Course Load

Total course load for the course: 140 hours.

Assessment method

  • Weekly Postings: 20%

  • Classroom Debate: 15%

  • Midterm Paper: 1500 words (15%)

  • Final Paper: 3500 words (50%)

To pass the course students must receive an overall mark of 5.50 (=6) or higher and a passing grade for the paper assignment (5.5 or higher). Students who failed the course (receiving an overall mark of 5.49 [=5] or lower) or who failed the paper assignment must take a resit. The resit consists of a research paper of 5,000 words (worth 100% of the grade).

The course is an integrated whole. All categories must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years. Students may make an individual appointment with the instructor within 30 days of the announcement of the exam grades in order to view their exam.

Blackboard

Distribution of reading materials, weekly postings, submission of assignments, group discussion. Blackboard.

Reading list

A reading list will be included in the syllabus to be uploaded on Blackboard.

Textbook:
Don Oberdorfer and Robert Carlin, The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History (New York: Basic Books, 2013)

Registration

Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available in English and Dutch

Contact

Dhr. C.K. Green MA

Remarks

As is the case for all Korean Studies courses, a strict attendance policy will be enforced. Attendance to all lectures and seminars is expected. Failure to attend results in a lower grade. If you do not attend more than three classes you will not be able to continue attending the classes and your exam and/or paper may not be graded by the instructor(s). If you have a valid reason not to attend, you may get dispensation from this rule, but you have to consult the coordinator of studies on this.