What is Korean civilization—is it a singular notion, or are there many that became what we know as South and North Korea today? How have Koreans interpreted and represented their own cultures, traditions, and history through the years? This introductory course offers a broad chronological survey of Korean history, arts, and culture from its early days to the present moment. Our readings will include a selection of literature—from foundation myths, poetry, to modern fiction—as well as royal edicts and political manifestoes and op-eds. Alongside the readings, we will also engage with multimedia resources including various artwork, film, and music. Through these cultural texts, we will explore the political, economic, and social order of different historical eras and identify major currents and events on the Korean peninsula such as shifting political climates, class struggles, gender dynamics, and complex relations with its East Asian neighbors and the West. We will also be treated to guest lectures from the interdisciplinary Korean studies scholars affiliated with the James Joo-Jin Kim Center for Korean Studies at Penn. By the end of the semester, students will become familiar with the many continuities and breaks that constitute Korean culture from ancient to modern times and gain good insight into where it might be headed in the future. No prior knowledge of Korea or the Korean language is required.

Survey of the civilization of Japan from prehistoric times to the present.

Survey of the civilization of Japan from prehistoric times to the present.

Survey of the civilization of Japan from prehistoric times to the present.

Survey of the civilization of Japan from prehistoric times to the present.

Survey of the civilization of Japan from prehistoric times to the present.

This course is designed for students who have little or no knowledge of Korean. This course aims to develop foundational reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through meaningful communicative activities and tasks. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to comprehend and carry on simple daily conversations and create simple sentences in the past, present, and future tenses. Students will learn how to introduce themselves, describe their surroundings, talk about daily lives, friends and relatives, and talk about past and future events.

Study of Chinese painting and practice from the earliest pictorial representation through the late twentieth century. Painting styles are analyzed, but themes such as landscape and narrative are considered with regard to larger social, cultural, and historical issues. The class will pay particular attention to the construction of the concepts of the "artist" and "art criticism" and their impact on the field into the present. Visits to study paintings at the University of Pennsylvania Museum and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

This class is for those that have little to no knowledge of Korean. The main focus is the development of Korean communication skills by exploring a variety of everyday topics beyond school settings. Students will improve their Korean communication skills by engaging in a variety of interactive activities, role plays, and presentations. Class topics include, but are not limited to, introducing oneself, describing one's surroundings, discussing daily activities and past events, talking about common objects and people, etc. We will also introduce cultural topics in order to deepen students' understanding of Korea's culture and language. NOTE: This course does not count toward the language requirement or the EALC major or minor. Offered through the Penn Language Center.

This class aims to expand and deepen students’ understanding and knowledge related to various aspects of the Korean language and culture. Students will consolidate and further sophisticate their expertise in the Korean language and culture to achieve professional language proficiency while engaging in discussions, debates, mini-research, and presentations on a wide range of topics covering the Korean language, contemporary life, and culture. Special emphasis will be given to how the Korean language is structured, how cultural practices are reflected in the way language is used, and how interpersonal relationships are built and negotiated through the use of language. As such, the course is organized into the following two parts: (1) Analysis of the Korean language in various genres and media sources and (2) Examination of critical issues related to the Korean language and culture and development of one’s own stance on the given issues. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to reach the Advanced High Level (according to the ACTFL’s proficiency guidelines).