Time Schedule:
Hwasook Bergquist Nam
HSTAS 482
Seattle Campus
Traditional institutions and society, Japanese colonial rule, liberation and the Korean War, early Korean communist movement, and North Korea and South Korea since 1945.
Class description
This course surveys the political, economic, social, and cultural history of Korea from the late nineteenth century to the present. This course examines how Korea became divided into North and South after 1945 and how two quite distinct political, economic, and social systems emerged and solidified over the second half of the twentieth century. It examines how domestic, regional, and global historical forces created and shaped this division and perpetuated it, despite the often-manifested desire among Koreans for re-unification. Topics include Japanese imperialism and colonialism, East Asian Communist movements and guerrilla struggles, the Manchurian experience in the 1930s, the Cold War and the Korean War, and nation building in North and South Korea. The South pursued development through a capitalist “developmental state” under authoritarian rule; the North evolved as a distinctive socialist system under the Juche ideology and a personality cult. Discussions of the recent crises surrounding nuclear armament and human rights violations in North Korea and theoretical issues raised by South Korea’s successful economic development, transition into democracy, shifting power politics in the region, and prospects for reunification complete the course.
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
In each class session a lecture will be followed by class discussion. Students will 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.
