Korean society before 1900

Korean Studies Electives

This course surveys the history of the Korean civilization from the early times to 1900. Drawing on sources from a variety of disciplines, this course provides a deeper understanding of Korean tradition and identity in the context of East Asia. Some questions we will explore are: How is Korea as a nation distinctive from others? Is there such a thing as Korean identity? If so, how has Korean identity been constructed over time? How is this history reflected and/or produced in cultural production? The course will examine the following themes from interdisciplinary perspectives: foundation myths, early Korean kingdoms, peninsular society and maritime trades, spread of Buddhism and Confucius’s ideology, neo-classicism, aristocratic and bureaucratic culture. Students will also learn different positions of national history in the context of global history and early modern studies.