Korean Studies, School of Modern Languages and Cultures HKU

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is one of the most enigmatic countries in the world. In recent times, the DPRK has consistently made negative headlines in the international media. Yet, for the most part, our knowledge of what goes on in the DPRK is very limited. This course introduces students to the study of contemporary North Korean society. It aims to provide students with knowledge of how North Korea has developed over the last six decades and in doing so, equip students with a basic understanding of how contemporary North Korean society functions today. The course therefore starts with a general historical survey of the DPRK history under the three respective leaders, and through this survey students would be encouraged to identify patterns, trends and themes in DPRK’s domestic politics and society. The second part of the course takes on an issue-based approach and would examine the themes such as everyday life in the DPRK; the Human-Rights debate and refugees from DPRK; the nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula and the question of Reunification etc. The course may have an optional (self-financed) fieldtrip to the DPRK organized either during the reading week or at the end of the academic year, depending on the instructor's discretion. The fieldtrip however would not form part of the formal assessment of the course.

Interdisciplinary Elective Course
KORE2028	The Other Korea – North Korea	6 credits

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) is one of the most enigmatic countries in the world. In recent times, the DPRK has consistently made negative headlines in the international media. Yet, for the most part, our knowledge of what goes on in the DPRK is very limited. This course introduces students to the study of contemporary North Korean society. It aims to provide students with knowledge of how North Korea has developed over the last six decades and in doing so, equip students with a basic understanding of how contemporary North Korean society functions today. The course therefore starts with a general historical survey of the DPRK history under the three respective leaders, and through this survey students would be encouraged to identify patterns, trends and themes in DPRK’s domestic politics and society. The second part of the course takes on an issue-based approach and would examine the themes such as everyday life in the DPRK; the Human-Rights debate and refugees from DPRK; the nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula and the question of Reunification etc. The course may have an optional (self-financed) fieldtrip to the DPRK organized either during the reading week or at the end of the academic year, depending on the instructor's discretion. The fieldtrip however would not form part of the formal assessment of the course.

Prerequisite: KORE1021. Introduction to Korean culture and society
Assessment:100 % coursework
(Not on offer in 2017/2018)