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SO JEONG PARK

This course will give you the cultural and historical background to begin your journey into Korean philosophy, and there is no prerequisite knowledge on philosophy required. Anybody who either has an interest in Korean culture, maybe through K-Dramas or K-pop, or an interest in philosophy from a cross-cultural perspective, are all welcome.

Despite the growing interest in Korean culture, there are few courses which explore the fascinating topic of Korean philosophy. On this course, you’ll be introduced to concepts in Korean philosophy through an exploration of the Korean language, culture and perspective.

Read more

This course will give you the cultural and historical background to begin your journey into Korean philosophy, and there is no prerequisite knowledge on philosophy required. Anybody who either has an interest in Korean culture, maybe through K-Dramas or K-pop, or an interest in philosophy from a cross-cultural perspective, are all welcome.

Despite the growing interest in Korean culture, there are few courses which explore the fascinating topic of Korean philosophy. On this course, you’ll be introduced to concepts in Korean philosophy through an exploration of the Korean language, culture and perspective.

The Korean cultural, social, and political environment has informed and transformed the intellectual assets of China and the West. You’ll explore the creative tensions that Koreans have experienced, and broaden your worldview as you discover a new philosophical approach.

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What's inside

Syllabus

What is Korean philosophy?
This week, we’re going to look at what Korean philosophy is, and what makes it different from the Western philosophy that you might be accustomed to. We’ll also be looking at Chinese philosophy in comparison to Korean philosophy, because it has had a large influence on the evolution of Korean philosophy.
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How does Innovation occur at Cultural Boundaries?
This week, we will look at how Koreans formed their own culture and ideas. What we consider to be “Korean” today is the result of their long-standing self-awareness and tenacious practice of reconstructing the cultures from outside. Among them, the Chinese culture had the deepest influence on pre-modern Korea. We will explore ways Koreans have adapted and innovated at cultural boundaries.
What are the Core Debates of Korean Philosophy?
This week, we will cover two traits that are often used to describe Koreans: One is “Koreans are affectionate” and the other is “Koreans are argumentative.” We will focus on these two seemingly contradictory characteristics of Koreans and revisit the two famous debates in the history of Korean philosophy: the Four-Seven Debate and the Horak Debate.
How do you think through Korean Philosophy?
Koreans have developed their way of thinking by innovating on knowledge at cultural boundaries. What they developed are reflected in contemporary Korean language. This week, we are going to talk about the core ideas of Korean philosophy that have endured up till now. We’ll see how we can think differently about the world through these ideas.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores Korean philosophy through an investigation of the Korean language, culture, and perspective
Introduces Korean philosophy to those without a background in philosophy
Engages learners who have an interest in Korean culture, K-pop, K-Dramas, or cross-cultural perspectives
Requires no prior knowledge of Korean culture or philosophy
Builds a foundation for understanding Korean philosophy
Taught by SO JEONG PARK

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Reviews summary

Highly rated korean culture

According to students, this course on Korean Philosophy and Culture is largely positive with engaging assignments and an engaging instructor. Learners say it is well received for providing an interesting and unique approach to Korean culture and history. The course is suitable for anyone from philosophers to fans of Korean culture as the lectures are clear and easy to understand. Overall, students say that Professor Park is a knowledgeable and passionate instructor who provides a comprehensive overview of Korean culture and philosophy.
Knowledgeable and passionate
"Professor Park is a knowledgeable and passionate instructor, who provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of Korean culture, including its history, language, literature, and arts."
" Loved this course and the instructor."
"Namaste Professor explains very well."
Informative and easy to follow
"The lectures are very interesting, there is a lot of history, culture and philosophy."
"This gives me new perspective of life and understand Korea even better than before."
"The videos are clear and well-constructed."
Interesting topics and supportive course materials
"This course was informative and I enjoyed it greatly."
"It was inspirational and interesting."
"This course really help me to understand basics of korean philosophy and development and it is very flexible course to do."
Could use more examples
"It is interesting to know the culture and philosophy of another country but I would have given examples of culture and philosophy in the lessons"
"Some material needs clarification. I alot of the language was very vauge and didnt fully explain concepts."
Problems with certificates and accessing materials
"A really helpful course for understanding concepts. However, I have completed my course but didn't get the certificate yet, that is something troubling me about Coursera."
"The Zoom lesson was cringey, but I enjoyed most everything else. I wish the readings had been accessible through my library; I had to skip a lot of them because I couldn't source the material."

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 Introduction to Korean Philosophy and Culture with these activities:
Organize and review course materials
Reinforce learning by actively reviewing and organizing course materials.
Show steps
  • Gather and organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
  • Review the materials regularly, highlighting key concepts
  • Summarize the main ideas presented in each module or topic
  • Create flashcards or other study aids to enhance memorization
Volunteer at a Korean cultural center or organization
Gain practical experience and insights into Korean culture and its influence on philosophy.
Browse courses on Korean Culture
Show steps
  • Identify Korean cultural centers or organizations in your area
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities and responsibilities
  • Attend volunteer training and orientation programs
  • Actively participate in cultural events, workshops, or educational programs
Follow tutorials on Korean cultural history and customs
Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context that shaped Korean philosophy.
Browse courses on Korean Culture
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials or documentaries on Korean cultural history and customs
  • Watch or read through the tutorials, taking notes and asking questions
  • Share your insights and questions with a classmate or online forum
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The Korean Way of Thought' by Sungmoon Kim
This book provides an in-depth introduction to the history, key concepts, and enduring ideas of Korean philosophy.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book and set aside time for reading
  • Read the book in small sections, taking notes and highlighting important passages
  • Summarize the key ideas and concepts presented in the book
  • Discuss the book's contents with a friend or colleague
Practice analyzing Korean philosophical texts
Develop the ability to critically engage with and interpret Korean philosophical texts.
Browse courses on Korean Philosophy
Show steps
  • Identify and read a short Korean philosophical text
  • Break down the text into its main arguments and supporting points
  • Analyze the text's structure, logic, and use of language
Engage in discussion forums on Korean philosophical topics
Exchange ideas, perspectives, and knowledge with peers to enhance understanding of Korean philosophy.
Browse courses on Korean Philosophy
Show steps
  • Join or create online discussion forums dedicated to Korean philosophy
  • Read and engage with discussion threads
  • Share your own insights and questions
  • Provide constructive feedback to others
Develop a presentation on a specific Korean philosopher
Demonstrate the ability to research, synthesize, and present information on a Korean philosopher.
Browse courses on Korean Philosophy
Show steps
  • Choose a Korean philosopher to focus on
  • Research the philosopher's life, ideas, and contributions
  • Organize the information into a coherent presentation structure
  • Create visual aids and supporting materials
  • Deliver the presentation to a group or online audience
Provide guidance and support to fellow students
Strengthen your understanding by actively teaching and explaining concepts to others.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to assist classmates with their learning
  • Provide clear explanations and support in discussion forums or study groups
  • Offer guidance and encouragement to those struggling with specific topics
  • Create or lead study sessions to review course materials

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Korean Philosophy and Culture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cultural Anthropologist
This course examines Korean philosophy and culture through the lens of cultural anthropology. Cultural Anthropologists study the cultures of different societies, including their beliefs, values, and practices. This course will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to conduct research on Korean culture and society.
Historian
This course offers a thorough overview of Korean philosophy and culture from a historical perspective. As a Historian, you will study the past to understand the present, and this course will provide you with a deep understanding of the historical context of Korean philosophy and culture.
Korean Language Teacher
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Korean philosophy and culture. As a Korean Language Teacher, you will help students learn about the grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary of Korean language. In this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context of the Korean language, which will enable you to teach students more effectively.
Professor of Korean Studies
This course introduces learners to Korean philosophy and culture. Professors of Korean Studies teach about the Korean language, history, and culture. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of Korean culture and society.
Journalist
This course focuses on the intersection of Korean philosophy and culture. As a Journalist, you will need to understand the cultural context of the stories you write. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to report on Korean culture and society in a fair and accurate manner.
Museum curator
This course explores the relationship between Korean philosophy and culture. As a Museum Curator, you will be responsible for preserving and interpreting cultural artifacts. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the cultural significance of Korean artifacts, which will enable you to curate exhibitions and educate the public about Korean culture.
Translator
This course examines the influence of Korean philosophy on the Korean language. As a Translator, you will need to be able to accurately translate Korean texts into other languages. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to translate Korean texts in a way that preserves the meaning and intent of the original text.
Public Relations Specialist
This course explores the role of culture in Korean society. As a Public Relations Specialist, you will need to be able to build relationships with the media and the public. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to communicate effectively with the Korean public.
Lawyer
This course examines the legal system of Korea. As a Lawyer, you will need to understand the cultural context of the laws you practice. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the Korean legal system, which will enable you to represent your clients effectively.
Human Resources Manager
This course introduces learners to the core debates of Korean philosophy. As a Human Resources Manager, you will need to be able to understand and resolve conflicts between employees. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to mediate conflicts in a fair and impartial manner.
Marketing Manager
This course covers the history of Korean philosophy. As a Marketing Manager, you will need to be able to understand the cultural context of your target market. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Korean history and culture, which will enable you to develop marketing campaigns that are relevant and effective.
Social Worker
This course examines the social problems facing Korea. As a Social Worker, you will need to understand the cultural context of the problems you address. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of Korean society, which will enable you to provide effective services to your clients.
Writer
This course may be useful for Writers who want to learn more about Korean philosophy and culture. The course will provide you with a deeper understanding of Korean culture, which will enable you to write about Korea in a more informed and nuanced way.
Teacher
This course may be useful for Teachers who want to learn more about Korean philosophy and culture. The course will provide you with a deeper understanding of Korean culture, which will enable you to teach your students about Korea in a more informed and engaging way.
Editor
This course may be useful for Editors who want to learn more about Korean philosophy and culture. The course will provide you with a deeper understanding of Korean culture, which will enable you to edit works about Korea in a more informed and accurate way.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Korean Philosophy and Culture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean philosophy, covering its history, major themes, and key figures. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating subject.
Save
Explores the unique characteristics of Korean thought and culture, and how they have shaped the Korean people's worldview and way of life. It thought-provoking read for anyone who is interested in understanding Korean culture.
Provides a detailed history of Korean philosophy, from its origins in ancient times to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the development of Korean thought.
Explores the role of Confucianism in Korean culture, and how it has shaped Korean values, beliefs, and institutions. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the deep impact of Confucianism on Korean society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean culture, including its history, traditions, and values. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating country.
Explores the development of Neo-Confucianism in Korea, and its impact on Korean society and politics. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important period in Korean history.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean Buddhism, from its origins in ancient times to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important religion in Korean culture.
This classic work of military strategy is essential reading for anyone interested in Korean philosophy and culture. It provides valuable insights into the Korean way of thinking about war and conflict.
This classic work on samurai ethics is essential reading for anyone interested in Korean philosophy and culture. It provides valuable insights into the Korean way of thinking about honor, loyalty, and duty.
Explores the role of shamanism in Korean culture, and how it has shaped Korean beliefs and practices. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this important aspect of Korean culture.

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