This course will introduce students to the history of Korea from 1800 to the present with an emphasis on modernity, family, social hierarchy, imperialism, and capitalism. Using primary sources, literary works, and video resources, we will explore such topics as: the birth of modern Korea amidst imperialism in the 19th century; culture, society, and family during the period of Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945); the origins of national division and the Korean War (1950-53); economic and cultural developments, as well as state-led and resistance politics, in the 1970s and 80s in South Korea; democratisation and its expansive impact in South Korea; and recent developments in the two Koreas. This course will give students a thorough grounding in modern change on the Korean peninsula and introduce them to major interpretative currents in the study of Korean history.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse core social and historical issues in modern Korean history.
- Critically evaluate major historical events in Korea's modern history.
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of key historical themes as they relate to modern Korean history.
- Critically assess contemporary debates on the state of modern Korea and its role in the region and the world.
- Read and analyse primary sources that either have been translated or originally were written in English, such as visitors’ accounts.
Other Information
This is a co-taught course. Any cap on enrolments in one
course applies to both courses combined.
Indicative Assessment
- Quizzes - 5x3% each (including map quiz) (15) [LO 2,5]
- Class Presentation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Midterm Examination (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Class Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final Project (1500 words) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The total workload for the course is 130 hours including in class time and independent study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
All materials will be available on Wattle except for the course text, which must be purchased.
Preliminary Reading
TBA
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4153 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |