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 Introductory Stream only (see below for sample Intermediate and Advanced Streams)

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) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iii) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level culture 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 Arts, 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 2020.

Contact and 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
2 language units at level 1000; 2 language units + 1 culture unit at level 2000; 2 language units at 3000 level + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level
Year 1: KRNS1621 + KRNS1622
Year 2: KRNS2621 + KRNS2622 + 1 culture unit at level 2000
Year 3: KRNS3621 + KRNS3622 + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level

The intermediate pathway
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 + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level

Year 1: KRNS2621 + KRNS2622
Year 2: KRNS3621 + KRNS3622 + 1 culture unit at level 2000
Year 3: 2 culture units at level 3000 + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level

The advanced pathway
0 units at level 1000; 2 culture units at level 2000; 2 language units at level 3000; 3 culture units at level 3000 + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level
Year 1: KRNS3621 + KRNS3622
Year 2: 2 culture units at level 2000 + 1 culture unit at level 3000
Year 3: 2 culture units at level 3000 + + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level

The heritage speakers pathway
4 culture units at 2000 level; 3 culture units at 3000 level + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level
Year 1: 2 culture units at level 2000
Year 2: 2 culture units at level 2000 + 1 culture unit at level 3000
Year 3: 2 culture units at level 3000 + 1 Interdisciplinary Project unit at 3000 level