About this course: This course examines the transformation of Korean society beginning around the turn of the 20th century to contemporary times. In particular, it explores how shifting categories of masculinity, and by contrast, femininity have impacted upon, and in turn been influenced by social, cultural, and political change. Using multiple disciplinary lenses, we will critically examine how gender intersects with political, social, and economic developments starting with the Confucianization of Korean society during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) up to the contemporary moment of globalization and neoliberal reform. The class will draw on a variety of topics such as traditional views of women, religion, race, class, education, patriarchy, sexuality, imperialism, modernity, war, globalization, the diaspora, among others. Special attention will be placed on the historical, transnational and transdisciplinary connections.
Taught by: Hyun Mee Kim, Professor
Department of Cultural Anthropology
Taught by: Yoo Theodore Jun, Professor
College of Liberal Arts
| Level | Beginner |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Spanish, Korean, Chinese (Simplified) |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
- Video: Introduction
- Discussion Prompt: WHO'S WHO?
- Reading: KOREAN WOMEN
- Video: 1.1 Joseon Dynasty and Confucianism
- Discussion Prompt: WOMEN IN CHOSON (JOSEON) KOREA
- Peer Review: KOREAN WOMEN UNDER CONFUCIANISM
- Video: 1.2 Novels in Colonial Period and the Emergence of the New Woman
- Discussion Prompt: POTATOES, LUCKY DAY, WINGS
- Video: 1.3 The Korean Civil War and Female Employment in Post War South Korea
- Discussion Prompt: OBALTAN (AIMLESS BULLET)
- Video: 2.1 The Advent of Manager Mothers
- Discussion Prompt: What is the Role of Children in Korean Families?
- Video: 2.2 Changed Family Structure and Singletons
- Discussion Prompt: Why are young Koreans especially young Korean women unwilling to marry?
- Video: 2.3 Globalization of Korean Family
- Discussion Prompt: Globalization of Korean families?
- Reading: The (Un)making of the Modern Family Readings
- Video: 3.1 Shifting Beauty Standards and Aesthetics from Joseon to Colonial Period
- Reading: Chinese textbook helps boys find masculine side amid ‘gender crisis’ caused by effeminate men in Japanese, Korean culture
- Discussion Prompt: 101 East - Plastic Surgery: The Cost of Beauty
- Video: 3.2 Plastic Surgery Body Lines and Trends in Contemporary Korean Society
- Reading: Korea's First Plus-Size Model: Korea's Unrealistic Beauty Standard
- Discussion Prompt: Korea's First Plus Size Model Response
- Reading: From Metrosexual to Spornosexual – Two Decades of Male Deliciousness
- Video: 3.3 Neoliberalism and Stratified Korean Society
- Reading: Socioeconomic disparities intensifying: report
- Discussion Prompt: People & Power - South Korea: Suicide nation
- Video: 4.1 Family and Sexuality in Korea
- Discussion Prompt: Is being called "sexy" a sign of women's liberation or sexual freedom?
- Video: 4.2 Commercialization of Sexuality
- Discussion Prompt: Are sex workers agents of their own rights, or are they victims of trafficking?
- Video: 4.3 Sexual Minorities in Korea
- Discussion Prompt: Sexual minorities' struggles and achievements
- Reading: Sexuality in Korea Readings
- Video: 5.1 Positive Changes in Korea
- Reading: THE GLOBAL GENDER GAP REPORT (2016)
- Discussion Prompt: Korea′s Policies for Gender Equality (Arirang TV)
- Reading: South Korea's golfing women: 'You're either a champion, or nothing'
- Video: 5.2 Feminism Movement in South Korea
- Video: 5.3 Comfort Women
- Video: 5.4 Conclusion
- Reading: Feminist Movements in Korea & Comfort Women
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This is a wonderful course to understand Korean culture. For everyone who is interested in the success of Korea, its economic development, education model and social changes; this course provide a solid and wide introduction with historical perspective to understand the evolution of the country, focusing on gender roles, traditional family conception, the profound confucian heritage, sexuality construction, women empowerment movements and evolution of Korea during the XX century.
Instructors Hyun Mee Kim & Yoo Theodore Jun made an amazing job preparing the material and explaining the most important aspects of the evolution of the country and the historical background behind all the social realities of Korea. The strategy of the course consists mainly in exposing an important social matter, provide the historical background and additional material to go deeper, focus on causes and consequences and contrast the past with the present. Students are asked for a personal analysis based on the exposed material to ensure a good understanding of each topic.
Congratulations to Yonsei University for its courses. Well-developed, stunning instructors and interesting approach to ensure learning. Thank you so much.
This course was very interactive, and it provided lots of resources on the side as well. It was challenging and allowed interaction with other learners as well. Thank you for this course.
Interesting course, especially to learn of Korea today in comparison to 50 years ago when I lived there about a year. Fascinating to see the changes socially. Thanks so much!
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RK
Excellent information, especially the historical background of Korea and its influence on societal culture.