| Course Description |
This introductory lecture course introduces students with little or no prior knowledge of Korea or the
Korean language to Korean society by exploring cultural codes—shared symbols, values, and practices
that shape everyday life—through the lens of media and literature. By engaging with short stories, films,
TV shows, music, and other cultural texts, students will examine how these cultural codes influence
Korean social norms, identities, and global representations.
The course focuses on six key cultural codes—food, language, family structure, religion, economic
development, and the two Koreas—as reflected in Korean literature, film, drama, and YouTube content.
Through these themes, students will gain a foundational yet comprehensive understanding of Korean society. At the same time, they will strengthen their critical and analytical skills in interpreting culture, cultivating a deeper awareness of how meaning is constructed and communicated across different media. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Define and explain the concept of cultural codes in the context of Korean society.
Identify major themes in Korean media and literature that reflect cultural values.
Critically analyze how historical and social changes are represented through cultural texts.
Develop comparative perspectives on Korean culture and their own cultural backgrounds.
Communicate ideas effectively in written and oral formats.
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