An Introduction to Korean Language, Literature, and Film

This course begins with an overview of the Korean language, followed by readings of literary works from the last three centuries (in translation), and concludes with a venture into Korean cinema. In the first week we will look at the history and characteristics of Korean, and we will practice using the alphabet and Romanization for course-related names and titles. Next we will engage with key themes in Korean literature through close readings and discussions of selected texts. Finally, we will examine the more modern faces of South Korea through a viewing and discussion of selected films. (ISEA majors may count this course as one course on East Asia towards the general regional requirement.)