Course Description
Survey of representative works of fiction in modern Korean literature. Western-style novels, emerging in the early twentieth century, have served as main vehicles for chronicling dramatic changes in Korean society. Students will study the development of this novelistic genre from aesthetic, historical, socio-cultural, and comparative perspectives.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students are required to conduct in-depth research on
a topic of their choice, with a view to writing a full-length
essay that can be submitted to a scholarly journal for
publication at the end of the course. They are expected to
make two class presentations on the topic. One will be a brief
progress report on their research, and the other one is a
final draft of their essay. Depending on the nature of their
topics, students can opt for one presentation at the end of the
semester.
Athena Title
Modern Korean Fiction
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will enhance their ability to interpret literary texts from historical, sociopolitical, intercultural, and artistic perspectives. They will deepen their understanding and knowledge of Korean literature and culture in global context. Students' performances are assessed through presentations, tests, writing assignments, and a final examination.
Topical Outline
W 1: Introduction to the emergence of modern fiction in Korea W 2: Literary modernity in East Asian context W 3: Yi Kwangsu, Mujŏng W 4: Ch’ae Mansik, Peace Under Heaven W 5: Ch’ae Mansik, A Ready-Made Life W 6: Yi Sang, The Wings W 7: Choi Inhun, The Square W 8: Review and Midterm W 9: Pak Wanso, My Very Last Possession W 10: Yoon Heunggil, The Rainy Spell W 11: Cho Sehui, The Dwarf W 12: O Chonghui, Words of Farewell W 13: Hwang Sokyong, The Guest W 14: Kim Young-Ha, I have the Right to Destroy Myself W 15: Conclusion, major developments in contemporary Korean fiction