Time Schedule:
Hwasook Bergquist Nam
HSTAS 481
Seattle Campus
Korean history from earliest times to the modern period.
Class description
This course surveys the history of Korea from prehistoric times to the mid-nineteenth century. It identifies main themes in premodern Korean history, and seeks to understand and analyze various historical interpretations and debates using primary and secondary source materials available in English. The course pays special attention to social systems, religions, and culture, and looks at ordinary people¡¯s lives and actions. It also stresses Korea's changing relationships with other Asian countries during the two thousand years before Korea's encounter with the West in the late 19th century. With the background provided by this course, students are prepared to better understand Korea's responses to the challenges of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Student learning goals
Improve critical thinking and reading skills
Improve writing skills
Develop understanding of historical methodology
Develop effective oral communication skills through class discussions
Develop capacity to analyze diverse viewpoints and interpretations
General method of instruction
The class meets three times a week, and in each class session a lecture will be followed by class discussion. Once a week, students will have a chance to read, analyze, and discuss primary source materials in class.
Recommended preparation
It is recommended that students take HSTAS/SISEA 212 (History of Korean Civilization) or another history course in premodern East Asia before enrolling in this course. Korean language proficiency is not required.
Class assignments and grading
Examinations, which test knowledge of assigned reading materials; participation in class discussion sessions; written assignments, ranging from short response papers to a short research paper. Timely reading of assigned course materials and active participation in class discussions are essential for success in this course.
Examinations (40%); participation (10%); written assignments (50%)
