South Korea: Society and Culture

Since the end of World War II, South Korea has undergone rapid modernization and
profound social transformations that have created both opportunities and challenges.
Employing an interdisciplinary study of contemporary South Korea from a variety of
socio-historical and cultural perspectives, this course examines major social and cultural
events and issues in contemporary South Korea. Topics include the Korean War,
economic development, the family, gender and women, youth, the Korean Wave and
North Korea. The course aims to train students to understand and articulate the key
historic developments that have shaped contemporary South Korean society and to
examine key issues of South Korea’s society and culture. Focus is on developing a
stronger understanding of South Korea’s society and culture for practical and
professional application