Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is designed to enhance students' understanding of Korean culture and society through film, literature, popular and traditional music as well as visual arts. Through exploring South and North Korean cultures as sites for identity formation and political practice, this unit encourages students to develop solid understanding of the broader context of national identity discourses in South Korea, and to a lesser degree, North Korea. Topics covered in the unit include Korean literature under colonialism, protest cultures, trauma cultures, traditional culture, K-pop and popular culture, as well as North Korean arts and public culture. Students have the opportunity to engage with a range of visual media (such as films and television dramas), art, literature and music, and to examine why different meanings are attached to given cultural texts at the moment of their production. This unit enhances students' ability to analyse cultural texts in a non-Western context, and to identify, analyse and evaluate the significance of the political and philosophical discourses that underpin and inform cultural production in the two Koreas.

The unit encourages students to read and research a range of materials in both English and Korean, albeit only a very basic level of Korean language ability is expected at this level.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Korean Studies; Korean Studies major sequences
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate a range of research skills relevant to conducting research in Korean Studies through reading a variety of authentic Korean language materials appropriate for their level of Korean linguistic competence as well as research and academic writing skills in English; (2) identify, describe and interpret the development of some of the fundamental issues and themes shaping contemporary South and North Korean cultures; (3) interpret accurately culture-specific meanings, thereby demonstrating intercultural sensitivity towards our 'globalised and culturally diverse environment in which graduates will be living and working'; (4) identify, analyse and evaluate the significance of discourses that underlie and inform Korean cultural narratives, and understand and apply basic research methods including research design and qualitative data analysis both through individual work and in working with others; and (5) apply emergent theories and methods routinely applied in the field of Korean Studies and demonstrate intermediate research skills through critically engaging with a broad range of sources and latest available research to identify relevant materials for an enquiry-led research essay.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation; (2) short assignment (including group project); and (3) final essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Caleb Kelso-Marsh
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
any level 1 KORE unit
Contact hours
Up to 3 hours a week for 10 weeks (including online lectures).
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.