Korean Studies, School of Modern Languages and Cultures HKU

This course surveys the history of the Korean civilization from the early times to 1900. Drawing on sources from a variety of disciplines, this course provides a deeper understanding of Korean tradition and identity in the context of East Asia. Some questions we will explore are: How is Korea as a nation distinctive from others? Is there such a thing as Korean identity? If so, how has Korean identity been constructed over time? How is this history reflected and/or produced in cultural production? The course will examine the following themes from interdisciplinary perspectives: foundation myths, early Korean kingdoms, peninsular society and maritime trades, spread of Buddhism and Confucius’s ideology, neo-classicism, aristocratic and bureaucratic culture. Students will also learn different positions of national history in the context of global history and early modern studies.

Interdisciplinary Elective Course
KORE2036	Korean society before 1900	6 credits

This course surveys the history of the Korean civilization from the early times to 1900. Drawing on sources from a variety of disciplines, this course provides a deeper understanding of Korean tradition and identity in the context of East Asia. Some questions we will explore are: How is Korea as a nation distinctive from others? Is there such a thing as Korean identity? If so, how has Korean identity been constructed over time? How is this history reflected and/or produced in cultural production? The course will examine the following themes from interdisciplinary perspectives: foundation myths, early Korean kingdoms, peninsular society and maritime trades, spread of Buddhism and Confucius’s ideology, neo-classicism, aristocratic and bureaucratic culture. Students will also learn different positions of national history in the context of global history and early modern studies.

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