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Hyun Mee Kim and Yoo Theodore Jun

This course examines the transformation of Korean society beginning around the turn of the 20th century to contemporary times. In particular, it explores how shifting categories of masculinity, and by contrast, femininity have impacted upon, and in turn been influenced by social, cultural, and political change. Using multiple disciplinary lenses, we will critically examine how gender intersects with political, social, and economic developments starting with the Confucianization of Korean society during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) up to the contemporary moment of globalization and neoliberal reform. The class will draw on a variety of topics such as traditional views of women, religion, race, class, education, patriarchy, sexuality, imperialism, modernity, war, globalization, the diaspora, among others. Special attention will be placed on the historical, transnational and transdisciplinary connections.

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What's inside

Syllabus

The Gendering of Modernity and Military Authoritarianism
Broad overview of Korean history and literature beginning in the Joseon period with a particular focus on a series of social and cultural transformations that would have profound impact on the gender relations starting with Confucianism.
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The (Un)making of the Modern Family
Introduction to the strategically gendered division of role in making modern Korean families and contemporary changes in the perception of marriage and family in Korea.
Female Beauty / Male Beauty & Body Aesthetics
Examine a range of topics including cosmetic surgery to male circumcision and body lines to understand how female and male beauty standards and aesthetics have changed over the past two centuries.
Sexuality in Korea
Discuss the issues of sexualities in contemporary Korea, ranging from the relationship between family and sexuality, commodified sexuality, to the issues of sexual minorities.
Looking Ahead into the Future...
Provide an overview of current positive changes in Korea related to gender and discuss impending issues of contemporary feminist movement and comfort women before concluding the lecture series.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a detailed overview of Korean history, including literary history, beginning in the Joseon period
Provides a strategic division of roles in making modern Korean families and the contemporary changes to the perception of marriage and family in Korea
Examines female and male beauty standards and aesthetics and how they have changed over the past two centuries, including topics ranging from body lines to male circumcision
Discusses the issues of sexualities in contemporary Korea, including family and sexuality, commodified sexuality, and the issues of sexual minorities
Provides an overview of current positive changes in Korea related to gender and contemporary issues of the feminist movement and comfort women
Taught by Hyun Mee Kim and Yoo Theodore Jun, who are recognized for their work in this field

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Reviews summary

Well-regarded course in gender identity

Learners say the Gender, Family, and Social Change in Contemporary South Korea course is well received and offers engaging assignments that explore how gender, family, and social norms have largely positively changed in South Korea. The course includes lectures, readings, and videos on a variety of topics, including the history of gender roles in Korea, the role of family in Korean society, and the challenges facing women in Korea today. Learners describe the instructors as well versed in their subject matter and engaging with their students. Overall, learners say this course is a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in learning more about Korean studies, gender, and family.
Engaging and informative course on Korean culture and gender roles
"it was very interesting, I have learned a lot about korean society and how gender relates to it from ancient Korea till the present "
"The content is very interesting."
"Strongly recommended, with this course you will learn how the society in Korea is shaped and what's his behavior base on gender roles."
Knowledgeable and engaging instructors
"Congratulations for this Course of yours - very interesting and well structured indeed.Special thanks to Professor Hyun Mee Kim, whose competence and clarity I particularly appreciated."
"I think this course provides precisely detailed information about Korean society, its characteristics, the role of family amongst Koreans, gender difficulties and social change during historical eras. It includes very interesting and informative materials which help us to better understand the main theme."
"The logistics of this course was completely different than the previous ones, in lieu of focusing on questionnaires and quizzes, this one presents more discussion and assignments. I appreciate the efforts made by the Professors to bring controversial and sensitive topics in a friendly manner."
Valuable information on gender, family, and social change in South Korea
"A​ very interesting course covering a lot of different sujects, each one as important as the others, to deeply understand the South Korean society!"
"This course is tailored in great detail, and provides a lot of interesting material to explore on these topics."
"You get to read relevant articles that help you with understanding the topic."
Some content and links may be outdated
"It needs an urgent actualisation of the contents. But overall, good course!"
"Very good, looking forward to an updated part with outlook on post-pandemic Korea."
"Although I really like the course, its contents, how it is structured and, most of all, the reading materials, the peer review system and discussions that often are not very engaging draw me back a bit."
Some technical issues with links and resources
"Very poorly structured from a technical standpoint. Very confusing in terms of supplementary readings and recommended external videos."
"The ressources are my last problem: sometimes the link didn't work or there wasn't one at all. This should be fixed, otherwise the participants spend hours looking for the texts."
"I came across some assignments where I felt they were in the middle and not close to a full 70 point assignment."

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 Gender, Family, and Social Change in Contemporary South Korea with these activities:
Review Confucianism
Readily engage with the content on Korean society's transformation and Confucianism's impact by reviewing key principles and beliefs of Confucianism.
Browse courses on Confucianism
Show steps
  • Read a summary of Confucianism
  • Read a book or article about Confucianism's influence on Korean society
  • Watch a documentary on Confucianism
Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Gender, Family, and Social Change in Contemporary South Korea will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sociologist
Sociologists study the relationships between individuals and society, including family structures, gender roles, and cultural norms. This course provides a deep understanding of these topics within the context of contemporary South Korea, which can be invaluable for Sociologists working in this region or specializing in gender and family studies.
Gender Studies Professor
Gender Studies Professors teach and research gender roles, relations, and identities, as well as how they intersect with other forms of social division. This course provides a comprehensive overview of gender studies in the context of South Korea, which can be highly valuable for both teaching and research in this field.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate challenges related to family, relationships, and social well-being. This course provides a valuable understanding of the social and cultural factors that influence family and gender dynamics in South Korea, which can be essential for Social Workers working with Korean communities or families.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze social issues and develop policy recommendations. This course provides insights into the gendered dimensions of social change in South Korea, which can be crucial for Policy Analysts working on gender equality, family policy, or related areas.
Historian
Historians research and interpret the past, including the evolution of social and cultural norms. This course offers a comprehensive overview of the history of gender, family, and social change in South Korea, which can be highly valuable for Historians specializing in Korean history or gender studies.
Journalist
Journalists report on current events and social issues, often specializing in particular fields. This course provides a deep understanding of gender and family dynamics in contemporary South Korea, which can be essential for Journalists covering these topics or working in the region.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers oversee the implementation of social programs, often focused on specific issues or populations. This course provides valuable insights into the gendered dimensions of social change in South Korea, which can be crucial for Program Managers working on gender equality, family support, or related areas.
Museum curator
Museum Curators research, preserve, and interpret cultural artifacts and collections. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the history of gender and family in South Korea, which can be highly valuable for Curators specializing in Korean art, history, or culture.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in various subjects, including social studies and history. This course provides valuable insights into the history of gender and family in South Korea, which can be integrated into teaching about Korean culture, history, or social issues.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human societies and cultures, including family structures and gender roles. This course provides a deep understanding of these topics within the context of contemporary South Korea, which can be invaluable for Anthropologists working in this region or specializing in gender and family studies.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal matters, often specializing in particular areas of law. This course may be useful for Lawyers working on family law, gender discrimination cases, or related areas, as it provides insights into the legal and social context of gender and family in South Korea.
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may be useful for Economists researching gender-related economic issues, such as the gender wage gap or the economic impact of family policies.
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study political systems and processes, including the role of gender in politics. This course may be useful for Political Scientists researching gender and politics in South Korea or comparative politics on gender issues.
Psychologist
Psychologists study the mind and behavior, including the psychological aspects of gender and family dynamics. This course may be useful for Psychologists specializing in gender studies, family therapy, or related areas.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help businesses improve their performance by analyzing data and identifying areas for improvement. This course may be useful for Business Analysts working on projects related to gender diversity, employee engagement, or customer segmentation in South Korea.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Gender, Family, and Social Change in Contemporary South Korea.
A grounded and comprehensive survey of Korean gender history, this in-depth book explores how gender influenced and was influenced by contemporary Korean society.
A groundbreaking and powerful book, this book provides a comprehensive account of the Japanese military's use of comfort women during World War II.
Investigates the cultural significance of beauty in South Korea and how it shapes gender roles and social norms.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of women in Korea, from the pre-modern era to the present day.
Examines the global popularity of South Korean pop culture and its impact on Korean identity and gender roles.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Korean history from the late 19th century to the present day, providing context for the course's exploration of gender and family change.
Provides insights into Korean culture and society, including gender roles and family dynamics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of gender relations in Korea from the pre-modern period to the present day.
Explores the phenomenon of the Korean Wave and its impact on global culture.
A collection of essays that explores the changing nature of sex, love, and feminism in South Korea.

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