Prospectus

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Perspectives on Korea

Course
2024-2025

Admission requirements

Students are required to read (1) the introduction and the first chapter of the book Orientalism by Edward Said and (2) the introduction and the first chapter of the paper “How Does Asia Mean” by Ge Sun.

During the class, participants should come up with a potential topic for the mini-research project.

Description

ThisThis intensive course is mandatory for BA2 students studying abroad in Korea in the first semester as well as for students remaining in Leiden. The first semester of BA2 offers students an opportunity to develop necessary writing and research skills prior to commencing their BA2 seminars in semester 2; assignment structur is the same for everyone but content is adapted to the study abroad/home program.

The primary goals of this course are twofold. First, this class will examine various perspectives on Korea, tracing the historical progression of these viewpoints to gain a deeper understanding of modern Korean society and culture. This process involves critically reviewing their own perspectives on background knowledge such as history and thought. Second, Students will explore social and/or cultural issues in Korea and for students to produce their own literature review on a topic of their choice. In practice, this means that students observe and reflect on their experiences during visits to preselected locations or via self-designed assignments on an online or offline location with the condition that the assignment has a simulare structure to those presented in the course syllabus.

Deadlines and assignment details will be provided via a course syllabus on Brightspace.

Course objectives

  • Take time to reflect on your own perceptions and concerns about Korea.

  • Understand how Koreans view themselves and others from their own perspectives.

  • Introduce students to social and cultural research on Korea, both within the country and abroad.

  • Further develop critical thinking and analytical skills

  • Learn how to evaluate complex cultural encounters.

  • Identify a concrete cultural or social phenomenon for study.

Timetable

The timetables are available through My Timetable.

Mode of instruction

  • Observation and research

  • Online seminar

Assessment method

Assessment (all submitted via Brightspace):

  • Details of the field visits will be made available on Brightspace: (2 x 30% = ) 60% of final grade.

  • Essay (one or more of: theoretical application, primary source analysis or fieldwork notes): 40% of final grade.

Weighing

The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average of the assessment elements above. To pass the course, students must receive an overall mark of 6 or higher and a passing grade for the essay assignment (a mark of 5.5 or higher).

Resit

Students who fail the course (receiving an overall mark of 5 or lower) must take a resit. Only one resit is possible and it consists of a literature review of 4,000 words (100% of the grade). No supervision is provided in the case of a resit. Resits must be completed within 3 weeks from the instructor notifying the student. Thise 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.

Course Policies

The course is conducted mostly online, and as such there is no attendance requirement (although attending the discussion sessions is recommended). However, failure to submit assignments will result in a penalty. Late submission will also incur a less stringent penalty. The instructor reserves the right to require student submission of any notes, first drafts, outlines or preparatory work for any assignment.

Students may make an appointment with the instructor within 30 days of the announcement of the assessment grades in order to discuss their work.

N.B.

Deadlines and extensions: if you foresee that you will not be able to keep a deadline because of extenuating circumstances, contact your instructor well in advance (at least one week before the deadline). For extensions beyond the end of the semester, please contact your instructor and the study coordinator and file a request with the Board of Examiners at least one week before the original deadline.

Reading list

  • Said, Edward W. Orientalism. New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2014 (available online through the University Library catalogue)

  • Ge Sun. How Does Asia Mean. Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, Volume 1, 2000 - Issue 1

Registration

Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website

Registration Studeren à la carte en Contractonderwijs

Not applicable.

Contact

  • For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.

  • For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office Herta Mohr

Remarks

none