EAK170 Korea: Its heritage & culture

Call Number 8883/ 3credit

Class meetings:
         Class: MWF 1:40-2:35 ED 120

Instructor
Professor: Dr. Andrew Sangpil Byon
                 Office: HU- 244
                 Phone: (518) 442-2597 (voice) / (518) 442-4118 (fax)
                 Office hour: MW 11:30-12:30 or by appointment
                 E-mail: andrewbyon_ualbany@yahoo.com

Table of Contents

1. knowledge of the distinctive features (e.g. history, institutions, economies, societies, cultures) of one region beyond Europe or European North America
2. an understanding of the region from the perspective of its people(s)
3. an ability to analyze and contextualize cultural and historical materials relevant to the region
4. an ability to locate and identify distinctive geographical features of the region

This is a survey course that is designed to introduce students to important elements of Korean culture. This course aims to identify a unique pattern of cultural construction of Korea in the major aspects of Korea's pre-modern and modern history, language, art, and philosophy/religion. Introducing the fundamentals of Korean culture in interdisciplinary and comparative approaches, this course also attempts to discuss contrasts between American and Korean cultural patterns and expectations. Films, videos, and other multimedia materials will be used in conjunction with lectures and class discussions to promote students' understanding of the basics of Korean culture and heritage.

1. Cumings, Bruce (2005). Korea’s Place in the Sun. NY: W. W. Norton Co. ISBN: 0-393-31681-5 (available at Campus bookstore)
2. Korean Overseas Culture and Information Service. A Guide to Korean Cultural Heritage. Elizabeth, NJ: Hollym International Co. ISBN: 1-56591-213-6 (available at Campus bookstore)
3. A Course Reader for EAK170, (available at Campus copy center)

1. This course is lecture-intensive. The reading is meant to be supplemental, not the core of course material. Therefore, attendance is essential.

2. Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes. Attendance will be taken. If you fail to sign the attendance sheet (passed around at the start of each class meeting), you will be considered absent for that day. Three absences are allowed without penalty. An additional two class cuts beyond the allotted three absences will result in a “plus”/”minus” reduction in the final grade. In other words, if you cut five classes and earn a “B” in the course, your final grade will be B-; seven class cuts would get you a C+, and so on.

3. Makeups for missed quizzes or exams will be given only if the absence was due to a documented medical or personal emergency, which is confirmed in writing (to me) by the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. Do not call or email me after an exam and tell me you were too sick to take the test! Late think papers will not be accepted for any reason.

4. Academic Integrity: The discovery of any cheating (including plagiarism or shared work of any kind) on an exam or written assignment will result in (1) immediate expulsion from the course with a failing grade; and (2) a report to appropriate SUNY officials. Appeals may be made through appropriate channels.

5. How to do well in this course: (1) carefully read and prepare reading assignments before class; (2) attend class regularly and take detailed notes; (3) actively participate in classroom discussions (this means raise your hand and try to say something intelligent!).

6. Questions and comments are welcome at all times.

Grading will be based on the following criteria:

This syllabus is a non-negotiable contract. I agree to teach the topics listed below, and to grade you on the criteria listed above. I consider a grade of "Incomplete" to be for emergencies (death in the family, extreme illness, etc.), not for students who fail to plan ahead. I do not curve grades. I do not give extra credit assignments. My grading scale is as follows: 93-100%=A; 90-92.9%=A-; 87-89%=B+; 83-86%=B; 80-82%=B-; 77-79%=C+; 73-76%=C; 70-72%=C-; 67-69%=D+; 63-66%=D; 60-62%=D-; 0-59%=E.