KOR 151: Education and Social Changes in Contemporary Korea

This course is an introductory course on Korean Studies and focuses on covering two broad themes of education and social changes. We will discuss significant social changes in contemporary South Korea by examining issues such as modernization, regionalism, class, gender, family, ethnic nationalism, globalization, and the culture of consumption and will explore their relationships with educational values, conditions, practices. The Korean education system is known for its competitiveness and academic rigor, and South Koreans are famous for their educational zeal. Although South Koreans’ high achievement in education is considered by many as one of the main contributors to the speedy economic growth of the country, the excessive educational zeal has also created many social problems. We will pay heed to the driving forces of and dynamic relationships between South Korean education and social changes. This course is designed to help students to develop a foundational understanding of contemporary issues in South Korea. SS, BN.