Understanding contemporary Korean society and culture through literature and media

This advanced unit critically examines various forms of writing, literature, and media produced on the Korean peninsula from the colonial period (1910–1945) to the present day.

You will encounter a variety of text types, including short stories, novels and poetry, as well as webtoons and other multimodal texts. You will learn how to read these materials critically and understand them in relation to the turbulent historical and socio-economical changes of the Korean peninsula. Non-classic or new forms of literature, such as the internet and queer and diasporic literature, as well as webtoons, are also included. Topics covered in this unit include Japanese colonisation, the Korean War, Korean modernisation and uneven development, the financial crisis and other social issues such as the rise of inequality, competition and out-migration. 

The unit will be offered in both Korean and English, with placement in the Korean or English stream being decided by the unit coordinator. In both the English and Korean streams you will develop reading, writing, listening and discussion skills as well as language and cultural awareness. You will also learn the historical, political and socio-economical context in which to understand and analyse contemporary Korean literature and writing. Writing skills to be developed include vocabulary and translation, creative writing, synthesis and argument in essay writing.