Undergraduate program
Korean Studies can be taken as a major sequence of studies in a variety of degree programs, or as an elective subject for as little as one semester. Students also have access to a range of options for in-country studies. Many students combine their study of Korean with a separate major sequence in Asian Studies, where they can study Asian societies in comparative perspective.
Students who undertake a major will gain basic communication skills in speaking, listening and writing Korean; a solid foundation in reading Korean; familiarity with Korean socio-cultural patterns; the ability to access relevant materials for further independent learning; and the generic University-level skills of analytical reading, critical judgement and clear oral and written argument.
Students who want to major in Korean Studies must complete at least 36 senior credit points from a combination of language and studies units in Korean Studies (Course code KRNS) and/or the following Korea-related Asian Studies (ASNS) units:
- ASNS2640 Mass Media in Korea
- ASNS2641 Traditional Korea
- ASNS2642 Modern Korea
- ASNS2670 Mass Media in East Asia
- ASNS3690 Approaches to Research in Asian Studies
In addition to Korean language units, the following "studies" units are offered. Note that not all units of study are offered each academic year:
- KRNS2671 Translation and Interpretation
- KRNS2672 Issues in Korean Language
- KRNS2673 Korean Phonology
- KRNS2674 Korean Grammar
- KRNS2675 Contemporary Korean Society and Culture
Beginners:
Learners of Korean as a foreign language (hereafter KFL), who start with Korean 1 and Korean 2 (i.e. KRNS1621 and KRNS1622 respectively), must take a minimum of 24 credit points from senior language units and a minimum of 12 senior credit points from Korean studies units and/or the fore-mentioned Asian Studies units.
Heritage speakers:
Heritage speakers of Korean, who have Korean parents and have less than two years of formal education in Korea may begin with Korean 9 and Korean 10 (i.e. KRNS1631 and KRNS1632 respectively), and must take 36 credit points from senior Korean studies units and/or fore-mentioned Asian Studies units.
Native or near-native speakers:
Native or near-native speakers of Korean, who have more than two years of formal education in Korea, are not permitted to take language units of study. To major in Korean Studies you should take 36 credit points from senior Korean studies units and/or the fore-mentioned Asian Studies units.
High achieving students can pursue advanced studies on Korean language and linguistics, Korean history and thought and Korean media and communication through the fourth-year Honours program where you can undertake coursework and research leading to the production of a substantial work of scholarship.
Current or prospective students interested in studying Korean history or culture without gaining language proficiency should consider Asian Studies.
