Premodern Korea in Global Context: Premodern Literature and Cultural Exchange
This course is aimed at increasing awareness of long but under-represented premodern Korea, often referred to as a Hermit Kingdom in the West, by offering a comprehensive outline of its literary and cultural traditions from historical and cross-cultural perspectives.
We will read a variety of texts, ranging from literary works (poetry and fiction), historical, philosophical, and religious documents, diaries, and travelogues, to important recent scholarly works in the field. Students are also required to read literary and cultural theories to help them formulate their own questions and arguments and implement logical analysis in their writing. The course also utilizes TV shows, films, and other visual materials, as well as non-Korean literary works that are significant in understanding the interconnected relationships between Korea, China, and Japan.