Korean Studies
About the major
The Korean Studies major provides a solid foundation in communication skills, and offers a range of units of study that enable you to better understand the language, culture and society in Korea. The Korean Studies major will not only open the doors to the language but also to the history, society and culture of a dynamic country that stands at the centre of Northeast Asia. Upon completion of a major, you will have developed skills in related research and analytical writing; the intermediate (or advanced) level of Korean language (reading, writing and speaking); the in-depth understanding of linguistic, political, social and cultural issues related to traditional, modern and contemporary Korea.
Whether you are a beginner or native speaker, whether you have been swept along by the ‘Korean wave’, or whether you are intrigued by Korea’s strategic position or long cultural accomplishments, a Korean Studies major will be a rewarding experience equipping you with communication skills and broader knowledge about Korean linguistics, history, culture and society. We train you to function competently in the globalising world, and prepare you for successful careers in Korea-related fields including employment in the public service, business, and academia or to work independently.
Requirements for completion
A major in Korean Studies requires 48 credit points from the Unit of Study table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level language units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iv) 12 credit points of 3000-level language units
(v) 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units
A minor in Korean Studies requires 36 credit points from the Unit of Study table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level language units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level language units
First year
First year beginner students will learn the foundations of Korean language through KRNS1621 and KRNS1622. These units will train students in spoken and written Korean. Students will study beginner-level grammar points and learn to read and write in Korean. They will also acquire oral communication skills and improve their listening comprehension. First year language units will prepare students to move up to intermediate level Korean in their second year. Heritage students should contact the department to be assessed for their level. In addition to language studies, first year students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with Korean culture and history by taking first year units in Asian Studies.
Second year
Second year students will further improve their Korean through KRNS2621 and KRNS2622. These intermediate language units will facilitate student learning experience by incorporating a variety of activities. Students will learn to read, write, and speak Korean at a significantly improved level. Additionally, students are required to take a 2000-level culture unit related to Korea.
Third year
Third year students will take KRNS3621, KRNS3622, and a 3000-level culture unit. Through the language units, students will learn Korean at an advanced intermediate level. In addition to studying complex grammar points, students will learn to read and write significant essays, and improve their speaking abilities. Some students will plan their exchange studies in Korea and experience Korean culture in depth.
Honours
If you commenced your degree prior to 2018, admission to honours requires a major in Korean Studies with an average of 70% or above, and must also include ASNS3690 Approaches to Research in Asian Studies.
If you commenced your degree in 2018, admission to honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies and requires the completion of a major in Korean Studies with an average of 70% or above, and must also include ASNS3690 Approaches to Research in Asian Studies. You will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Advanced Studies, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and a second major, prior to commencing honours.
Students who achieve results of 70 percent or better in their first year Korean units are encouraged to pursue honours in Korean Studies. Intending honours students should consult with the course coordinator as early as possible.
Advanced coursework
The requirements for advanced coursework in Korean Studies are described in the degree resolutions for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies.
24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2019.
Contact/further information
Department website: sydney.edu.au/arts/korean
The Korean Studies Department is located within the School of Languages and Cultures. We can be found on the 5th Floor of the Brennan-MacCallum Building A18.
Postal address:
Department of Korean Studies, A18
University of Sydney, NSW, 2006
Chair of Department: Associate Professor Ki-Sung Kwak
Email:
Phone: +61 2 9351 4490
Undergraduate Coordinator: Dr. Su-kyoung Hwang
Email:
Phone: +61 2 9351 4362
Honours Coordinator: Dr. Duk-Soo Park
Email:
Phone: +61 2 9351 3581
Example pathway
The introductory pathway will follow a 2-3-3 model = 2 language units at level 1000; 2 language units + 1 culture unit at level 2000; 2 language units at 3000 level + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit
Year 1: KRNS1621 + KRNS1622
Year 2: KRNS2621 + KRNS2622 + 1 culture unit at level 2000
Year 3: KRNS3621 + KRNS3622 + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit
The intermediate pathway will follow a 0-3-5 model = 0 units at level 1000; 2 language units at level 2000 + 1 culture unit at Level 2000 + 2 language units at level 3000; 2 cultural units at level 3000 + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit
Year 1: KRNS2621 + KRNS2622
Year 2: KRNS3621 + KRNS3622 + 1 culture unit at level 2000
Year 3: 2 culture units at Level 3000 + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit
The advanced pathway will follow a 0-2-6 model = 0 units at level 1000; 2 culture units at level 2000; 2 language units at level 3000; 3 culture units at level 3000 + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit
Year 1: KRNS3621 + KRNS3622
Year 2: 2 cultural units at level 2000 + 1 culture units at level 3000
Year 3: 2 culture units at level 3000 + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a high level of communication skills in Korean, exhibiting proficiency in reading, writing and speaking.
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of political, social and cultural issues related to traditional, modern and contemporary Korea.
- Demonstrate ability to identify and explain the dynamic interplay between Korean culture and society, employing diverse research methodologies, such as literature review, interviews, content analysis, and surveys.
- Demonstrate ability in critical thinking, research and problem solving in linguistic, cultural, ethical and societal issues in Korea and Asia.
- Demonstrate the skills, integrity, confidence and personal resilience to construct and defend a valid argument.
- Demonstrate cultural competence, tolerance and the ability to function effectively in collaborative contexts.
- Effectively apply approaches and knowledge from Korean Studies to issues encountered in interdisciplinary contexts.