EAK170 Korea: Its heritage & culture

Call Number 8068/ 3credit

Class meetings:
         Class: TTH 2:45-4:05 LC 012

Instructor
Professor: Dr. Andrew Sangpil Byon
                 Office: HU- 244
                 Phone: (518) 442-2597 (voice) / (518) 442-4118 (fax)
                 Office hour: MW 2:00-3:30 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, literature, 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

1. Nahm, Andrew C., A Panorama of 5000 Years: Korean History. Elizabeth, NJ: Hollym International Co.
2. -------------------., A Guide to Korean Cultural Heritage (by the Korean Overseas Culture and Information Service).
                                Elizabeth, NJ: Hollym International Co.
3. A Course Reader for EAK170, (available at Shipmate, Stuyvesant Plaza, 458-7758

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 will be taken daily and students are expected to attend class regularly unless extenuating circumstances prevent it. Attendance and punctuality is included in your participation score. Attendence check will be strictly enforced; extremely low attendance may further lower your final grade, unless a written proof of inevitable circumstance is provided. Every 2 unexcused absences will result in one ower grade than the actual score (e.g., A to A-). Please be aware of this strict attendance plolicy. A sign-sheet is distribued in each class. Make sure you sign the attendance sheet.

3. Questions and comments are welcome at all times.

4. No make-up quizzes or exams (either take-home or in-class) are given, unless notified in advance of a legitimate reason

5. Please check the important dates and deadlines, weekly and daily schedules, reading and other assignments.

Both the mid-term exam and the final exam will consist of short-answer and essay questions. In addition to the exams, students have to write one 1500-word paper, which they have to sbmit for a grade (25% of your course grade) by the end of semester.

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%=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. If you want to check on your performance at any point in the semester, feel free to come to my office and we'll run through the numbers. If there are extenuating circumstances that you anticipate will unduly affect your grade, it is your responsibility to speak with me IN ADVANCE.