North Korea is widely regarded as one of the world's most enigmatic countries, and as the greatest security threat to our region. The Australian and global media depict it as a country of missiles, phalanxes of marching soldiers, all-powerful leaders and bizarre political ideologies. This course goes beyond the media images to explore the political history, culture and everyday life of North Korea. Drawing upon unparalleled expertise in history, politics, cultural studies and gender politics at the ANU, this course will evaluate key events in North East Asian history to more fully account for the current social and political crisis in North Korea. We will investigate pivotal events of the Cold War in Northeast Asia and consider issues such as changing lifestyles, environmental challenges, the rise of the informal market and migration to and from North Korea, and will end with some reflections on possible futures. As well as conventional sources the course will also make use of North Korean music, literature and film to give further insight into the country's past, present and future.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Formulate an understanding of the Northern Region before the emergence of the North Korean state.
- Explain the origins of communism in Korea.
- Develop an understanding of the international history that has shaped North Korean state and society.
- Understand social and political changes that have taken place since the end of the Cold War.
- Evaluate the gender politics of the regime and society.
- Develop critical conceptual tools and historical understanding to evaluate current issues facing North Korea today.
Field Trips
Optional trip to the Australian War Memorial (Treloar Cres, Campbell ACT 2612). Date & Time TBC.
Examination Material or equipment
Laptop or iPad
Recommended Resources
List of Preliminary Readings (for Assessment 1):
- Sunjoo Kim (ed), The Northern Region of Korea: history, identity and culture
- Sandra Fahy, Dying for rights: Putting North Korea's human rights abuses on the record
- Suzy Kim, Everyday Life in the North Korean Revolution 1945-50
- Hyun-ok Park, The Capitalist Unconscious: from Korean Unification to Transnational Korea
- Heonik Kwon and Byung-Ho Chung, North Korea: Beyond Charismatic Politics, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2012.
Prescribed Short Texts (for Assessment 2):
- Kyung Moon Hwang, 'From the Dirt to Heaven: Northern Koreans in the Choson and Early Modern Eras,' Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies 62.1 (June 2002): 135-78
- Donald Clark, ‘The Missionary Presence in North Korea Before World War II’, in Sunjoo Kim (ed.), The Northern Region of Korea: History, Identity, Culture, Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2010.
- Suh Dae Sook, Kim Il Sung: the North Korean Leader, New York: Columbia University Press, 1988, chapters one and two.
- Ruth Barraclough, Red Love and Betrayal in the Making of North Korea: Comrade Ho Jong-suk, History Workshop Journal, 77, 2014.
- Andre Schmid, ‘My Turn to Speak’: Criticism Culture and the Multiple Uses of Class in Postwar North Korea’, International Journal of Korean History 21:2, 2016.
- Tessa Morris-Suzuki, 'Freedom and Homecoming: Narratives of Migration in the Repatriation of Zainichi Koreans to North Korea' in Sonia Ryang ed. Diaspora without a Homeland (2009), chapter two.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:- Written comments
- Verbal comments
- Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.Other Information
North Korea is widely regarded as one of the world's most enigmatic countries, and as one of the greatest security threats to our region. The Australian and global media depict it as a country of starving population, inter-continental ballistic missiles, phalanxes of marching soldiers, all-powerful leaders and bizarre political ideologies. This course goes beyond the media images to explore the political history, culture and everyday life of North Korea. Drawing upon profound expertise in history, politics, cultural studies and gender politics at the ANU, this course will evaluate key events in Northeast Asian history that contributed to the current humanitarian and political cataclysms in North Korea. We will investigate pivotal events of the Cold War in Northeast Asia and consider issues such as changing lifestyles, environmental challenges, the rise of the informal market and migration to and from North Korea and will project possible future scenarios. Along with conventional academic sources the course will also make use of North Korean music, literature and film to give further insight into the country's tumultuous past, dynamic present and uncertain future.
Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome and Introductions, Lecture on tThe Northern Region, and Film Screening | |
| 2 | Christianity, Education, and Rebellion in Korea | |
| 3 | North Korean elites: politicians, writers and artists | ASSIGNMENT 1: Book Review Essay (20%) - submit by 23:59 on Wed. 18 Dec. 2024 |
| 4 | Soviet Russia and North Korea | ASSIGNMENT 3: Class Presentations - on campus and on-line 1pm-4pm on Thu., 19 Dec. 2024 |
| 5 | North Korean State Formation and the Korean War | ASSIGNMENT 2. Research Essay - submit by 23:59 on Mon., 30 Dec. 2025 |
| 6 | Japan and North Korea: Unhappy Neighbours | |
| 7 | Ecaping from the DPRK: Gender, Memories, Trauma. ASSIGNMENTS 1 & 3 results published and discussed. | |
| 8 | Anti-communist culture in South Korea. ASSIGNMENT 2 results published and discussed. | |
| 9 | North Korea in the World. Exam Preparation Webinar. | ASSIGNMENT 4: CLASS PARTICIPATION - Exam Preparation Webinar (1pm-3pm) on Thu., 9 Jan. |
| 10 | Roundtable on the Future of North Korea. ASSIGNMENT 4 results published and discussed. | ASSIGNMENT 5: FINAL EXAM - (2pm-4pm) on Fri., 10 Jan. 2025 |
Tutorial Registration
Tutorial Registration isn't required, information regarding tutorial access will be available through Wattle.
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1: Book Review Essay (1,000 words) | 20 % | 18/12/2024 | 25/12/2024 | 2,3,4 |
| A2: Research Essay (2,000 words) | 30 % | 30/12/2024 | 08/01/2025 | 1,2,3,6 |
| A3: Class Presentation | 10 % | 19/12/2024 | 07/01/2025 | 3,4,5,6 |
| A4: Class Participation | 10 % | 09/01/2025 | 10/01/2025 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| A5: Final Exam | 30 % | 10/01/2025 | 20/01/2025 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.Participation
Read the required readings for the course, come to class prepared to discuss and share your thoughts, as you will be asked to contribute. Students’ in-class participation in Weeks 1 & 2 will be recorded daily and assessed on the basis of: 1) participation in class discussions, and 2) contribution to online group activities. Participation in the Final Exam Preparation Webinar in Week 2 (Thu. 9 Jan. 2025) will be important part of this assignment.
Examination(s)
Final Exam questions will be based on topics covered in class in Weeks 1 & 2, Preliminary Readings and Prescribed Short Texts. Final Exam will be held at the end of Week 2, in class and online for two hours on Friday, 10 January 2025. Students will choose two questions and answer them in max. 2,000 words in total. Feedback and final grades for the course will be released by Monday, 20 Jan. 2025.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 2,3,4
A1: Book Review Essay (1,000 words)
Before the start of the course, students are to select one book out of the five listed below for preliminary reading, reviewing and presentation in class. Read some tips on How to Write and Good Book Review before you start working on this assignment. The Book Review is expected to be approx. 1,000 words long and must be submitted before 23:55 on Wednesday, 18 Dec. 2024. Come to class prepared to discuss and present your thoughts (see Assessment 3: Class Presentation).
List of Preliminary Readings:
- Sunjoo Kim (ed), The Northern Region of Korea: history, identity and culture
- Sandra Fahy, Dying for rights: Putting North Korea's human rights abuses on the record
- Suzy Kim, Everyday Life in the North Korean Revolution 1945-50
- Hyun-ok Park, The Capitalist Unconscious: from Korean Unification to Transnational Korea
- Heonik Kwon and Byung-Ho Chung, North Korea: Beyond Charismatic Politics, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2012.
Rubric
| 80-100 | 70-79 | 60-69 | 50-59 | 25-49 | 0-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated | Work is not submitted or submited but not genuine or no relevant qualification level has been demonstrated. |
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,6
A2: Research Essay (2,000 words)
The Essay questions will be based on the material studied in Week 1 and Prescribed Short Texts (see below) and offered in class and on Wattle on Friday, 20 Dec. 2024. They will test students’ knowledge of key figures and events in the northern region of Korea. Students may be asked to explain the origins of communism in Korea or to analyse the events of international history that has shaped North Korean state and society. Students must use the critical thinking skills and conceptual tools to evaluate current issues facing North Korea today. You will have 10 days to complete the Research Essay and must submit it online by 23:55 on Sunday, 30 December 2024. Results and feedback will be published in Week 2 (on Wed., 8 Jan. 2025).
Prescribed Short Texts:
- Kyung Moon Hwang, 'From the Dirt to Heaven: Northern Koreans in the Choson and Early Modern Eras,' Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies 62.1 (June 2002): 135-78
- Donald Clark, ‘The Missionary Presence in North Korea Before World War II’, in Sunjoo Kim (ed.), The Northern Region of Korea: History, Identity, Culture, Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2010.
- Suh Dae Sook, Kim Il Sung: the North Korean Leader, New York: Columbia University Press, 1988, chapters one and two.
- Ruth Barraclough, Red Love and Betrayal in the Making of North Korea: Comrade Ho Jong-suk, History Workshop Journal, 77, 2014.
- Andre Schmid, ‘My Turn to Speak’: Criticism Culture and the Multiple Uses of Class in Postwar North Korea’, International Journal of Korean History 21:2, 2016.
- Tessa Morris-Suzuki, 'Freedom and Homecoming: Narratives of Migration in the Repatriation of Zainichi Koreans to North Korea' in Sonia Ryang ed. Diaspora without a Homeland (2009), chapter two.
Rubric
| 80-100 | 70-79 | 60-69 | 50-59 | 25-49 | 0-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated | Work is not submitted or submited late, or not genuine, or no relevant qualification level has been demonstrated. |
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 3,4,5,6
A3: Class Presentation
Students will present their Book Reviews in class (or online via Zoom), using professional presentation tools and answering questions from the audience about the book they have read and analysed. Individual presentations should be 5-10 min. long. Group presentations about the same book may be permitted but will be marked individually. Presentations will be held in on campus in Week 1 (Thursday, 19 Dec. 2024) and results and feedback will be published in Week 2 (Tue., 7 Jan. 2025).
Rubric
| 80-100 | 70-79 | 60-69 | 50-59 | 25-49 | 0-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated | Work is not submitted or submited late, or not genuine, or no relevant qualification level has been demonstrated. |
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
A4: Class Participation
Students’ class participation in Weeks 1 & 2 will be recorded daily and assessed on the basis of: 1) participation in class discussions, and 2) contribution to online group activities. Participation in the Final Exam Preparation Webinar in Week 2 (Thu. 9 Jan. 2025) will be important part of this assignment.
Rubric
| 80-100 | 70-79 | 60-69 | 50-59 | 25-49 | 0-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated | Work is not submitted or submited late, or not genuine, or no relevant qualification level has been demonstrated. |
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
A5: Final Exam
Final Exam questions will be based on topics covered in class in Weeks 1 & 2, Preliminary Readings and Prescribed Short Texts. Final Exam will be held at the end of Week 2, in class for two hours on Friday, 10 January 2025. Students will choose two questions and answer them in max. 2,000 words in total. Feedback and final grades for the course will be released by Monday, 20 Jan. 2025.
Rubric
| 80-100 | 70-79 | 60-69 | 50-59 | 25-49 | 0-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level | Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated | Work is not submitted or submited late, or not genuine, or no relevant qualification level has been demonstrated. |
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.Online Submission
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.Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.Late Submission
Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date. Late submission is not accepted for examinations and take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.Returning Assignments
In the short term, the course coordinator will do everything possible to publish the results of each assessment before the next assessment starts.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.Resubmission of Assignments
Upon receiving the assignment result with feedback, students will have three (3) working days to discuss it with the lecturer.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
|
|
|||
Research Interests |
||||
Prof Roald Maliangkay
|
|
|
|||
Instructor
|
|
|
|||
Research Interests |
||||
Dr Leonid Petrov
|
|
|
|||