Prospectus

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Korean Culture through Pre-modern Philosophy and Literature

Course
2024-2025

Admission requirements

Not applicable.

Description

Reading Korean Literature with the Times: A Literary Journey from Pre-modern to Contemporary

This course explores how the anxieties and conflicts of each era are reflected in Korean literature through the works of major authors. Spanning from the pre-modern to the contemporary period, the course examines how each writer articulated their literary thoughts and expressions within their historical context.

The course begins with the works of the 15th-century scholar Kim Si-sŭp and progresses through those of Hŏ Kyun in the 16th century, Pak Chiwŏn in the 18th century, Hong Gil-ju in the 19th century, Yun Dong-ju in the 20th century, and Han Kang in the 21st century. Students will investigate the historical and social contexts surrounding each work, shedding light on the intellectual reflections of the times. Through this, they will discuss how these authors used literature to shape and express the essence of humanity and society.
The primary texts for this course are the representative works of each author, supplemented by reference materials and literary theory to deepen analysis and discussions. For texts with published English translations, the translations will be used; for those without, instructor-provided materials will be utilized. To enhance understanding, selected excerpts from original texts in Korean or Classical Chinese may also be studied when necessary.

Course objectives

  • Engage in an in-depth reading of two literary works by preparing and delivering a presentation on one work and actively participating in the discussion of another.

  • Gain a broader understanding of Korean culture and history by examining how Korean literature reflects and interprets each era.

  • Expand academic capabilities through profound insights into the essence of society and humanity obtained from literature.

  • Develop skills to comprehensively analyze the literary worldview and philosophy of each author.

  • Enhance skills in reporting, presenting, and participating in discussions.

Timetable

The timetables are avalable through My Timetable.

Mode of instruction

  • Lecture

  • Seminar

Assessment method

Assessment

Attendance and Class Participation: 15%
Presentation: 30%
Discussion and Review Report: 25%
Final Assignment: 30%

Weighing

To pass the course students must receive an overall mark of 5.50 (=6) or higher and a passing grade for the Final Paper assignment (5.5 or higher).

Resit

Students who fail the course (receiving an overall mark of 5.49 [=5] or lower) or who fail the paper assignment must take a resit. The resit consists of a research paper of 5,000 words (worth 100% of the grade).

Inspection and feedback

How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.

Reading list

All readings will be available on Brightspace and links will be provided on Brightspace where media references are used.

Registration

Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.

General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website

Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange

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

Students who are absent more than three times may be excluded from the course and cannot count on Assignments being graded. If you have a valid reason not to attend, you may get dispensation from this rule, but this requires consultation with the teacher.