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Korean Music, A Philosophical Exploration

SO JEONG PARK and SU-HYUN KIM

This course introduces Korean philosophy projected into the subject of Korean music, especially K-POP, which is drawing global attention today. We confirm that Korea's unique philosophy was the basis for maintaining originality while being universally accepted by many people, and seek the role of philosophy for the continuous development and spread of Korean music.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Philosophizing through Korean Music
In this week, students will explore the rich and diverse world of Korean music, encompassing both contemporary K-pop and traditional Korean music, known as Gukak. They will gain an appreciation for the connections and continuity between these seemingly disparate genres, recognizing how elements of traditional Korean music influence and inform the contemporary K-pop sound.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a different perspective on Korean culture through K-POP
Examines Korean philosophy and its influence on Korean music
Introduces students to the unique characteristics of Korean music and its instruments
Explores the relationship between Korean music and morality
Taught by instructors with expertise in Korean music and philosophy
Requires students to have some background knowledge in Korean music or philosophy

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Reviews summary

Korean music: a philosophical cultural journey

According to learners, this course offers a truly unique and profound exploration of Korean music, linking it to the nation's rich philosophical traditions. Students particularly appreciate the interdisciplinary approach, which illuminates the often-overlooked connections between traditional Gukak and contemporary K-pop. Many find the content on Korean emotions like Han and Heung to be deeply insightful, providing a new lens to understand Korean culture. The discussion of unique musical notation systems and ancient instruments is frequently highlighted as a standout feature. While the course provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation, some note that it is less about practical music skills and more for those seeking a deep cultural and philosophical understanding. Overall, it's considered a highly enriching experience for those interested in the intricate relationship between music and identity.
Strong academic foundation, less on practical music skills.
"If you're looking to learn to play an instrument or produce K-pop, this isn't the course for you; it's highly theoretical."
"I appreciated the academic rigor and the focus on philosophical concepts, which was exactly what I wanted."
"This course is ideal for those interested in the 'why' and 'how' of Korean music from a scholarly perspective."
Content delivered clearly and thoughtfully by instructors.
"The lecturers made complex philosophical ideas accessible and engaging."
"I found the explanations clear and the overall flow of the course well-structured."
"The roundtable discussion was a great way to summarize and reinforce learning."
Covers ancient instruments and unique notation systems.
"The segments on Geomungo, Gayageum, and especially Jeonganbo were fascinating and very well explained."
"I loved learning about the historical evolution of Korean music and its ancient roots."
"The course provides a solid historical context for understanding the development of Korean music."
Uncovers unique Korean emotional and cultural concepts.
"Learning about 'Han' and 'Heung' completely changed how I listen to Korean music and understand the culture."
"The course brilliantly explains how Korean philosophy manifests in their music and daily life."
"I gained a much deeper appreciation for the nuances of Korean identity through its musical traditions."
Explores Korean music through philosophy, history, and culture.
"I found the connection between K-pop, traditional Gukak, and philosophy incredibly insightful."
"This course offers a perspective on Korean music I haven't seen anywhere else, truly interdisciplinary."
"It's not just music history; it's a deep dive into the cultural and philosophical underpinnings."

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 Korean Music, A Philosophical Exploration with these activities:
Learn or review Korean language basics
Establish a basic understanding of Korean language to fully appreciate the nuances of Korean Music.
Browse courses on Korean
Show steps
  • Enroll in a Korean language course or use online resources to learn basic grammar and vocabulary.
  • Practice listening to and speaking Korean through movies, TV shows, or podcasts.
Review basic music theory
Reviewing basic music theory will help you understand the fundamental concepts of Korean music.
Browse courses on Music Theory
Show steps
  • Read a book or article about music theory.
  • Take an online course or workshop on music theory.
  • Attend a music theory class at a local community college or music school.
Summarize Korean culture
Summarizing the key elements of Korean culture will aid in understanding the context of Korean music.
Browse courses on Korean Culture
Show steps
  • Research Korean history, traditions, and customs
  • Identify key themes and patterns in Korean culture
  • Write a brief summary that captures the essence of Korean culture
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore online resources for Korean music
This exploration will expose you to diverse perspectives on Korean music and provide valuable insights into its history, cultural significance, and contemporary trends.
Show steps
  • Visit websites dedicated to Korean music, such as the National Gugak Center
  • Watch documentaries and interviews with Korean musicians
  • Follow Korean music blogs and online communities
Join a study group with fellow learners
Engage in discussions, share perspectives, and collaborate on projects to deepen your understanding of Korean music and its cultural context.
Show steps
  • Connect with other students through the course platform or online forums
  • Organize regular meetings to discuss course topics and share research
Read 'Understanding Korean Music' by Robert C. Provine
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of Korean music, offering valuable insights into its unique characteristics and cultural significance.
View Traditional Music: Sounds in Harmony with... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read through the chapters sequentially
  • Take notes and highlight important passages
  • Complete the review questions at the end of each chapter
Create a playlist of Korean music
By creating a playlist, you will engage with Korean music on a personal level, allowing you to explore different genres, artists, and themes.
Show steps
  • Use streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music to discover Korean music
  • Listen to a variety of songs and select those that resonate with you
  • Create a playlist and share it with others
Develop a research paper on a topic related to Korean music
Through research and writing, you will demonstrate your understanding of Korean music and its cultural significance.
Show steps
  • Choose a research topic that interests you
  • Conduct research using academic journals, books, and other sources
  • Write a research paper that presents your findings and analysis

Career center

Learners who complete Korean Music, A Philosophical Exploration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Music Historian
Music historians study the history of music. They may write books and articles, give lectures, and teach courses on music history. This course may be useful for music historians who want to learn more about Korean music and how it has evolved over time.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Historian
Ethnomusicologist
Ethnomusicologists study the music of different cultures. They may travel to different parts of the world to conduct research and learn about different musical traditions. This course may be useful for ethnomusicologists who want to learn more about Korean music and how it fits into the global context.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ethnomusicologist
Music Educator
Music educators teach music in schools and other settings. They may work with students of all ages, from elementary school to college. This course may be useful for music educators who want to learn more about Korean music and how to incorporate it into their teaching.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator
Musician
Musicians use their skills with musical instruments to create art while performing. Those who enter this field often start at a young age, studying under a private teacher to build a foundation in music fundamentals. This course may be helpful for those who wish to study Korean music in particular, as it discusses Korean's unique approach to music.
See salaries and explore the career path for Musician
Music Professor
Music professors teach music at colleges and universities. They may specialize in a particular area of music, such as music history, music theory, or performance. This course may be useful for music professors who want to expand their knowledge of Korean music and incorporate it into their teaching.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Professor
Music Librarian
Music librarians organize and maintain music collections. They may also provide reference services to patrons. This course may be useful for music librarians who want to learn more about Korean music and how to catalog and preserve it.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian
Music Journalist
Music journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also review concerts and albums. This course may be useful for music journalists who want to learn more about Korean music and how it fits into the global music scene.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist
Music Archivist
Music archivists preserve and document music history. They may work in libraries, museums, or other institutions. This course may be useful for music archivists who want to learn more about Korean music and how to preserve it for future generations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Archivist
Music Critic
Music critics write and review music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also give lectures and presentations on music. This course may be useful for music critics who want to learn more about Korean music and how to evaluate it.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Critic
Event Planner
Event planners plan and coordinate events, such as concerts, festivals, and parties. They may work for a variety of clients, including businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals. This course may be useful for event planners who want to learn more about Korean music and how to incorporate it into their events.
See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner
Music Director
Music directors oversee musical performances. They research and select music, prepare scores, and conduct auditions. They may also lead musical groups and give instruction to other musicians. This course may be useful for music directors who wish to broaden their knowledge of Asian music and bring a more global perspective to their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director
Arts Administrator
Arts administrators manage the business side of arts organizations. They may work for theaters, museums, or other arts organizations. This course may be useful for arts administrators who want to learn more about Korean music and how to promote it to a wider audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Arts Administrator
Music Therapist
Music therapists use music to help people improve their physical and mental health. They may work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. This course may be useful for music therapists who want to learn more about Korean music and how it can be used in therapy. For example, they might learn about how Korean music can be used to promote relaxation or to help people express their emotions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist
Music Producer
Music producers oversee the recording and production of music. They may work with musicians, engineers, and other professionals to create a finished product. This course may be useful for music producers who want to learn more about Korean music and how it can be produced.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer
Composer
Composers create original music. They may work in a variety of genres, including classical, pop, and film music. This course may be useful for composers who want to develop a deeper understanding of Korean music and incorporate its elements into their own compositions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Korean Music, A Philosophical Exploration.
Cover image
Songs for "Great Leaders"
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Korean music, from its origins to the present day. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the context of the music they are studying in this course.
Songs for "Great Leaders"
Paperback
Check
Songs for "Great Leaders"
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Plastic Surger: 6 Volume Set - E-Book
Save
Examines Korean aesthetics and its influence on Korean music, providing insights into the underlying principles and values that shape Korean musical expression.
Plastic Surger: 6 Volume Set - E-Book
Paperback
Check
Plastic Surger: 6 Volume Set - E-Book
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Cultural Nationalism in Colonial Korea, 1920-1925
Save
Provides a general overview of the Korean people, including their history, culture, and society. It good starting point for students who are new to this topic.
Cultural Nationalism in Colonial Korea, 1920-1925
Paperback
Check
Cultural Nationalism in Colonial Korea, 1920-1925
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Im Yunjidang
Save
Offers a comprehensive overview of Korean philosophy, including its origins, development, and key concepts, providing foundational knowledge for the course's philosophical exploration of Korean music.
Im Yunjidang (Elements on Women in the History of...
Paperback
$$
Im Yunjidang (Elements on Women in the History of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Korea
Save
Provides a comprehensive reference for Korean history and culture, including entries on Korean music, philosophy, and other relevant topics, serving as a valuable resource for further exploration.
James Scarth Gale and his History of the Korean...
Hardcover
$$$$
Korea (Durham East Asia Series)
Paperback
$$$
By Richard Rutt James Scarth Gale and his History...
Unknown Binding
$$$$
Korea: A Historical and Cultural Dictionary (Durham...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Mediums and Magical Things
Save
Provides an introduction to Korean shamanism, including its history, rituals, and beliefs. It valuable resource for students and researchers interested in learning more about this topic.
Mediums and Magical Things
Paperback
Check
Mediums and Magical Things
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
SamulNori: Korean Percussion for a Contemporary...
Save
Provides a general introduction to Korean music, covering its history, instruments, and genres. It good starting point for students who are new to Korean music.
SamulNori: Korean Percussion for a Contemporary...
Paperback
Check
SamulNori: Korean Percussion for a Contemporary...
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
12 hours to complete
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Sungkyunkwan University
Instructors
SO JEONG PARK
SU-HYUN KIM
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a different perspective on Korean culture through K-POP
Examines Korean philosophy and its influence on Korean music
Introduces students to the unique characteristics of Korean music and its instruments
Explores the relationship between Korean music and morality
Taught by instructors with expertise in Korean music and philosophy
Requires students to have some background knowledge in Korean music or philosophy
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