KORE 361: Korean History before 1876

KORE 361-K01: Korean History before 1876
(Fall 2025)

03:30 PM to 04:45 PM W

Mason Korea (119 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, Korea) G212 - Hybrid

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Section Information for Fall 2025

KORE 361 Korean History Before 1876 covers premodern 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 offers an immersive learning experience for students, as it is taught at Mason Korea. Students will learn Korean history through the lived experiences of the Korean people by reading primary sources and short stories written by individuals who lived during that time, and by visiting historical sites and museums. This semester, students will visit the Jeondongsa 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 premodern Korean history by completing a term project of their choice. Students can choose to write a research paper, produce a documentary film, complete a creative project, or take a final essay exam. This course fulfills the Korean minor and major elective requirements. It is also cross-listed with HIST 387, which is part of the Mason Core curriculum and fulfills the requirement for Global Understanding for students admitted prior to Fall 2024. Please be reminded that Global Understanding courses may not be substituted for the Global Context requirement. 

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.