Understanding Korean Politics from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Korean Politics in Historical Perspective

During Week 1, leaners will have an overview of Korean Politics which includes past history, the presidents and the main historical events during the 1st to the 6th Republic, and the democratic transition in 1987. The first week will help learners develop a fundamental understanding of the historical development of Korean Politics and lead leaners to think what makes Korean Politics new and interesting.

Dynamics of Democratic Transition in South Korea: Structure, Culture, and Leadership Choice

Week 2 will first summarizes the four legacies of South Korea’s politics from 1948 to 1987 and introduce the major concepts and models of democratic transition. Second, it will give a clear and detailed explanation about South Korea’s democratic transition which includes the transition dynamics, the determinants of democratic transition and the democratic consolidation.

Political Institutions in South Korea

Week 3 will start with the explanation of institution including its concept, types and major issues. In the second part, the lecture will expound South Korea’s constitutional foundation and its evolution, focusing on its nine constitutional amendments. Then it will talk about the structure and features of South Korean government, also it will briefly introduce South Korea’s presidential system which will be further explained in next week.

Profiles of political leadership

Week 4 will mainly talk about the political leadership. The lecture will first give the definition, types and evaluation criteria of political leadership. Then it will evaluate President Rhee Syngman, Park Chung-hee and Kim Dae-jung by using the criteria given in the first part and lead leaners to discuss the unique pattern of South Korean leadership.

The Developmental State and the Korean Economic Miracle

Week 5 will give leaners a very clear explanation of South Korean economic development, including its original conditions, economic take-off and economic crisis. Then the lecture will talk about the limits of developmental state and lead leaners to discuss about the future of South Korean economy.

Debates on Korean Unification

The main topic of week 6 is Korean unification. The lecture will start with explanation of inter-Korean relationship to help learners form a better understanding towards Korean unification. Then it will expound and evaluate the Sunshine policy. And the last part will have learners discuss about the future of Inter-Korean relations and unification.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops a strong understanding of Korean politics

Fits well with an interest in South Korean history, culture, economics, and unification

Covers Korean politics from multiple perspectives, such as historical, institutional, and cultural

Examines the role of political leadership and its impact on Korean politics

Challenges learners to develop their own interpretations of political development in South Korea

Provides a basis for further study or research in Korean politics

Reviews summary

Well-praised course: understanding korean politics

Learners say "Understanding Korean Politics" is an excellent course for understanding the political history, political system, and main issues of Korean politics. The informative discussions and engaging lectures are well-organized, easy to follow, and presented by knowledgeable instructors. Students highly recommend this course for its useful content and clear explanations.

Valuable Materials

"The course includes useful reading materials"

"Students appreciate the references for further study"

Clear and Organized

"The course structure is "logically organized""

"Students appreciate the "clear progression of topics""

Expert Insights

"Students praise the instructor as "knowledgeable" and "top-class""

"The instructor "possesses extraordinary lecturing skills""

Easy to Understand

"The instructor presents complex content in an "understandable way""

"Students find the lectures "easy to follow""

Overwhelmingly Positive

"91% of reviews rated this course 5 stars."

"Students describe the course as "excellent", "fantastic", and "very informative.""

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Korean Politics with these activities:

Mentor a New Student Interested in Korean Politics

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Strengthen your own understanding while supporting a new student in their exploration of Korean politics.

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Identify a new student who is interested in Korean politics but may need guidance.
Offer your support and mentorship to the student.
Share your knowledge and insights about Korean politics.
Answer the student's questions and provide encouragement.
Help the student develop their understanding and interest in Korean politics.

Re-read textbook sections on Korean history

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Reinforce your understanding of Korean history, providing a foundation for the course content.

Browse courses on Korean History

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Identify key topics in Korean history covered in your textbook.
Read or re-read the relevant textbook sections.
Take notes on important events, figures, and concepts.
Create a timeline or summary to organize your knowledge.

Review South Korean History

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Establish a strong understanding of the history of South Korea before starting the course to enhance your comprehension of the material.

Browse courses on Korean History

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Research key historical events and periods in South Korea's past.
Read books or articles about the history of South Korea.
Take notes on the major historical events, figures, and political developments.
Create a timeline of South Korean history to visualize the sequence of events.

Eight other activities

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Read 'The Koreans' by Michael Breen

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Gain insights into the culture and society of South Korea by reading this comprehensive book.

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Purchase or borrow the book from a library.
Read the book carefully, taking notes on key concepts and ideas.
Summarize the main arguments and perspectives presented in the book.
Consider how the book's insights can enhance your understanding of Korean politics.

Analyze Korean political cartoons

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Develop critical thinking skills by interpreting political cartoons and understanding their significance in Korean politics.

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Find Korean political cartoons online or in newspapers.
Observe the cartoon and identify its main message.
Consider the context and symbolism used in the cartoon.
Write a brief analysis explaining the cartoon's meaning and implications.

Explore South Korean news sources

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Stay updated on current events and gain insights into Korean political discourse by following reputable South Korean news sources.

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Identify reputable South Korean newspapers, news websites, and television channels.
Follow these sources regularly to monitor news and political developments.
Read or watch news articles and reports to form your own perspectives.

Follow Online Tutorials on Korean Politics

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Supplement your learning by exploring online tutorials that provide in-depth explanations of Korean political concepts and institutions.

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Search for online tutorials on Korean politics from reputable sources.
Choose tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course material.
Follow the instructions and explanations provided in the tutorials.
Take notes on key concepts and examples.

Develop a research proposal on a contemporary issue in Korean politics

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Gain hands-on experience in researching and analyzing Korean political issues by crafting a research proposal.

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Identify a specific contemporary issue in Korean politics.
Conduct preliminary research on the topic.
Formulate a research question and hypothesis.
Design a research methodology.
Write a research proposal including an introduction, literature review, methodology, and expected outcomes.

Join a Study Group for Korean Politics

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Enhance your understanding by collaborating with peers and discussing course material in a study group setting.

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Find other students in the course who are interested in forming a study group.
Establish a regular meeting time and location.
Choose topics to discuss and prepare questions or discussion points.
Take turns leading the discussions and facilitating group interactions.

Write a Comparative Analysis of Korean and American Political Systems

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Deepen your understanding of Korean politics by comparing and contrasting it with the American political system.

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Research the key features of both political systems, including their constitutions, electoral processes, and party systems.
Identify the similarities and differences between the two systems.
Analyze the implications of these similarities and differences for the functioning of each political system.
Write a comprehensive report outlining your findings and insights.

Contribute to an Open-Source Project on Korean Politics

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the field of Korean political science by participating in an open-source project.

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Identify existing open-source projects related to Korean politics or political science.
Choose a project that aligns with your interests and skills.
Contact the project maintainers to express your interest in contributing.
Make meaningful contributions to the project, such as coding, data analysis, or writing documentation.
Submit your contributions for review and approval.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Korean Politics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study the theory and practice of politics. This course can help someone who wants to become a Political Scientist by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics. This understanding can be used to analyze political systems, institutions, and processes. Additionally, the course can help Political Scientists develop their research and writing skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Historian

Historians use their knowledge of the past to understand the present and predict the future. This course can help someone who wants to become a Historian by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and history. This understanding can be used to analyze current events in Korea and make informed predictions about the future of the country. Additionally, the course can help Historians develop their research and writing skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues. This course can help someone who wants to become a Journalist by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics. This understanding can be used to write informed articles and reports about Korea. Additionally, the course can help Journalists develop their research and writing skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries abroad. This course can help someone who wants to become a Diplomat by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics. This understanding can be used to negotiate with foreign governments and represent Korea's interests abroad. Additionally, the course can help Diplomats develop their communication and negotiation skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. This course can help someone who wants to become a Lawyer by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and law. This understanding can be used to advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. Additionally, the course can help Lawyers develop their research and writing skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies for governments and organizations. This course can help someone who wants to become a Policy Analyst by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics. This understanding can be used to develop and evaluate policies that are effective and efficient. Additionally, the course can help Policy Analysts develop their research and writing skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course can help someone who wants to become a Nonprofit Manager by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and society. This understanding can be used to develop and implement programs that are effective and efficient. Additionally, the course can help Nonprofit Managers develop their leadership and management skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers manage the public image of organizations. This course can help someone who wants to become a Public Relations Manager by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and society. This understanding can be used to develop and implement public relations campaigns that are effective and efficient. Additionally, the course can help Public Relations Managers develop their communication and media relations skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for businesses. This course can help someone who wants to become a Marketing Manager by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and society. This understanding can be used to develop and implement marketing campaigns that are effective and efficient. Additionally, the course can help Marketing Managers develop their creativity and communication skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Business Consultant

Business Consultants advise businesses on how to improve their operations. This course can help someone who wants to become a Business Consultant by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and business. This understanding can be used to advise businesses on how to operate more effectively and efficiently. Additionally, the course can help Business Consultants develop their communication and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people mengatasi social and economic challenges. This course can help someone who wants to become a Social Worker by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and society. This understanding can be used to develop and implement social programs that are effective and efficient. Additionally, the course can help Social Workers develop their empathy and communication skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Event Planner

Event Planners plan and organize events. This course can help someone who wants to become an Event Planner by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and society. This understanding can be used to plan and organize events that are effective and efficient. Additionally, the course can help Event Planners develop their creativity and organizational skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work to improve the lives of people in their communities. This course can help someone who wants to become a Community Organizer by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and society. This understanding can be used to develop and implement community programs that are effective and efficient. Additionally, the course can help Community Organizers develop their leadership and communication skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels. This course can help someone who wants to become a Teacher by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and society. This understanding can be used to develop and implement lesson plans that are effective and efficient. Additionally, the course can help Teachers develop their communication and classroom management skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and use information. This course can help someone who wants to become a Librarian by providing them with a deep understanding of Korean politics and society. This understanding can be used to develop and implement library programs that are effective and efficient. Additionally, the course can help Librarians develop their research and communication skills, which are essential for success in the field.

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