Admission requirements

Students are required to read (1) the introduction and the first chapter of the book Orientalism by Edward Said and (2) the introduction and the first chapter of the paper “How Does Asia Mean” by Ge Sun.

During the class, participants should come up with a potential topic for the mini-research project.

Description

Brief introductory description of the course. Please include course subject and teaching materials used.
This intensive course is mandatory for all BA2 students—both those studying abroad in Korea and those remaining in Leiden during the first semester. The first semester of BA2 provides students with the opportunity to develop the writing and research skills necessary for the BA2 seminar in the second semester. The assignment structure is the same for all students, but the content is adapted to align with either the study abroad or domestic study program.

The course consists of six seminars and six individual projects.

The course has two main objectives. First, to examine various perspectives on Korea and trace their historical development in order to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Korean society and culture. This includes a process of critically examining one’s own assumptions and background knowledge, such as history and ideology. In addition, by examining the current state of Korean Studies, students gain a variety of perspectives.

Second, students will explore a social and/or cultural issue in Korea and conduct a literature review or observation-based report on a chosen topic. After visiting a pre-selected location or collecting data online or offline, students will reflect on their own experiences through a self-designed individual project. However, this assignment must be grounded in and reflect the content of the six seminars.

Deadlines and assignment details will be provided via a course syllabus on Brightspace.

Course objectives

• Take time to reflect on your own perceptions and concerns about Korea.

• Understand how Koreans view themselves and others from their own perspectives.

• Introduce students to social and cultural research on Korea, both within the country and abroad.

• Further develop critical thinking and analytical skills

• Learn how to evaluate complex cultural encounters.

• Identify a concrete cultural or social phenomenon for study.

Timetable

The timetables are available through My Timetable.

Mode of instruction

• Observation and research

• Online/Offline Seminar

Assessment method

Assessment method

Attendance: 10%
Assignments (Papers Review / Midterm Report for Final Project): 50%
Final Project (Primary Source Analysis or Fieldwork Notes): 40% of the final grade

Weighing

The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average of the assessment elements above. To pass the course, students must receive an overall mark of 6 or higher and a passing grade for the essay assignment (a mark of 5.5 or higher).
Students may make an appointment with the instructor within 30 days of the announcement of the assessment grades in order to discuss their work.

Resit

Students who fail the course (receiving an overall mark of 5 or lower) must take a resit.Those who fail the exam may retake it in consultation with the instructor, which may include additional assignments and activities. Resits must be completed within 3 weeks from the instructor notifying the student. Thise course is an integrated whole. All categories must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.

Attendance Policies

You must attend at least 4 out of the 6 seminars. Since the seminar content must be reflected in your assignments, excessive absences may negatively affect your evaluation.

Reading list

• Said, Edward W. Orientalism. New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2014 (available online through the University Library catalogue)

• Ge Sun. How Does Asia Mean. Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, Volume 1, 2000 - Issue 1

Registration

Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website

Registration Studeren à la carte en Contractonderwijs

Not applicable.

Contact

• For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.

• For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office Herta Mohr

Remarks

none