HISTORY AND INSTITUTIONS OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY KOREA

This class presents an overview of Modern Korean history, from 1876 to the present, which had lots of historical turmoil and changes. Thus, this class provides a historical context for general modern Korea. Modern Korea spans stunning events such as Korean openings to the west, Japanese annexation of Korea, colonial hardship and change, and Korean liberation. Furthermore, it also covers the Korean War, Korean economic development, Korean democracy, and Korean globalization since the 1990s. Thus, in this class, we will probe the historical trajectory of diverse Korean experiences so that students will realize modern Korean experience is part of a universal experience in the world and unique aspects. Students are expected to participate in lively discussions with a careful reading of weekly assigned materials and to understand the current Korean society.

Students will understand modern Korean experiences so that they will see the roots of contemporary Korean society.

Reading assigned materials before each class and raising questions during the class will be strongly encouraged.

* *All reading assignments except books are reserved at the Palazzo Vendramin (DSAAM) entrance. Also, you can download academic articles from Google Scholar or Ca’ Foscari Library (SBA).
* Most recommended readings will be in the Asian Studies Library.

- Look at the MOODLE

100% Final Exam (two times in January 2025 One in June and one in August or September 2025)(Short answer questions & Essays).

written

30L: The student has a thorough understanding of the topics and issues presented in the course and the assigned readings.
28-30: The student almost masters the issues presented in the course and the assigned readings; he or she is capable of analyzing information and makes use of academic terminology;
26-27: The student has a good knowledge of the topics presented in the course and - to a lesser extent - in the assigned readings; he or she generally succeeds in analyzing information and is familiar with academic terminology;
24-25: The student does not always know thoroughly the topics presented in the course and the assigned readings; concepts are not always expressed through academic terminology;
22-23: The student has a mostly superficial knowledge of the topics presented in the course and the assigned readings; he or she is not always clear and generally lacks academic terminology;
18-21: The student has a superficial understanding of the topics presented in the course and the assigned readings; they are unclear and do not utilize academic terminology.

Lecture and Discussion. Usually, I use PowerPoint slides each week for my lecture, which will deal with reading assignments and more.

Bring many questions!