KORE 361: Korean History before 1876

KORE 361-K01: Korean History before 1876
(Fall 2024)

01:30 PM to 02:45 PM T

Mason Korea (119 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, Korea) G207 - Hybrid

Section Information for Fall 2024

KORE 361 Korean History Before 1876 covers Korean history from prehistoric times up to 1876 when Korea opened its ports and integrated into the modern capitalist world. While focusing on Korea’s historical experiences, it takes a broader and comparative perspective to look at historical changes in premodern East Asia together. It examines how Korean history was intertwined with and helped share premodern East Asian history by comparing Korea’s historical experiences with those of Japan and China. 

             As a survey course, the class will cover major events in premodern Korean history, ranging from the emergence of the Three Kingdoms, Silla’s unification, the Koryŏ dynasty and its relations with the Mongol Empire, the establishment of the Chosŏn dynasty, tributary relations in East Asia and changing worldviews, two great East Asian Wars, and changes in ideas and culture during the late Chosŏn dynasty.  

             While exploring these topics, this course also provides an immersive learning experience for students, as it is offered at Mason Korea, where the subject is taught. Students will learn Korean history as a lived experience of the Korean people by reading primary sources and short stories written by people who lived in history and visiting historical sites and museums. This semester, students will go to the Jeondengsa Temple and the National Museum of Korea, which are related to the course topics. 

             The course emphasizes self-driven, proactive study. Students explore their topic of interest related to modern Korean history by writing a research paper or producing a documentary film. This course fulfills the Korean minor and major elective requirement and is cross-listed with HIST 387, a Mason Core course. It is a research and scholarship-intensive course that fulfills the Global Understanding category. 

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Surveys the history of the Chosŏn dynasty from its establishment in the fifteenth century to the nineteenth century until 1876 when Chosŏn opened its ports to Japan and the West and integrated into the modern capitalist world. Offered by Modern & Classical Languages. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.