Looks at three periods in modern Korean history: the end of the Joseon dynasty and the ensuing Japanese occupation of Korea, spanning the 1890s-1920s; the post-war period and the struggle for Korean democracy, spanning the 1950s-1990s; Korea in the modern era as an economic powerhouse, spanning 1990s-present. Each of these periods will be examined through academic literature and through their portrayals in popular media. Students will discuss the differences between fact and fiction in dramatized portrayals of Korean history and reflect on the impact of media on our perception of historical events. By the end of this course, students should have an understanding of Korean history from the end of the Joseon dynasty through the modern era and an appreciation of historical drama as a Korean cultural tradition. Taught in English.

There is no assigned textbook for this course. However, students will need to have access to streaming services, including Netflix and Apple TV+, as well as a YouTube account, in order to view the assigned films and K-dramas. If anyone anticipates difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact the instructor.