In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy from Coursera

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Syllabus

Philosophizing through Primary Sources

This week, we will learn about the earliest written sources describing Koreans and through reading between the lines we glean insight into what those texts imply. We will also learn about ‘name, language, and religion’, and the importance of those terms in constructing an identity.

Korean Identity through the Names Called by Others

This week, we go more in depth about the importance of names. These names could be self-referential or a name someone else calls you and each hold meaning and implications that both aid in forming an identity.

Korean Language and Korean Thought

This week, we go into detail about the intriguing difference between the early written language Koreans used (prior to Hangeul) and spoken Korean language. The gap between these two modes of communication as well as the gap between Hanja (Korea's version of Chinese Characters) and Classical Chinese is lectured on in detail.

Before Confucianism and Buddhism Introduced

This week, we will explore ancient Korean religion and culture prior to the entrance of the Three Teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism). To do so we will look at myths, archeology, and keep in mind Chinese records which discuss Korean culture and religion.

Confucianism and Buddhism Introduced into Korea

This week, keeping in mind the foundation of the prior weeks we will study how Korean thought and culture changed after accepting the Three Teachings. We will place special interest on how these teachings were transformed over time by Koreans into what we can call today ‘Korean Confucianism’ and ‘Korean Buddhism’.

Development of Korean Spirituality through Buddhism

This week, we learn and think about how the history covered in this course shaped and was shaped by Korean culture. We will place special interest on buddhist contributions to Korean spirituality and the intellectual landscape of Korea.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores Korean culture and thought from its formative years, providing a comprehensive understanding of Korean identity and its influences

Taught by SO JEONG PARK, an expert in Korean history and culture

Develops critical thinking and analytical skills through the examination of primary sources

Suitable for learners with a general interest in Korean history, culture, and identity

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 In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy with these activities:

Compile an overview of Korean history before the period covered in this course

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Summarize Korean history up to the formative years to reinforce your understanding of course materials

Browse courses on Korean History

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Review key events and figures in Korean history prior to the Three Kingdoms period
Create a timeline of important dates and events
Identify the key cultural and political influences on early Korean society

Seek out a mentor with expertise in Korean history and culture

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Connect with an expert who can provide guidance and support throughout your learning journey

Browse courses on Korean History

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Identify potential mentors through professional organizations or networking events
Reach out to your mentors and express your interest in learning more about Korean history and culture
Arrange regular meetings or video calls to discuss course material and explore related topics

Read 'The History of Korea' by Michael J. Seth

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Review key historical events and their impact on Korean culture and thought

View A Concise History of Korea on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on the major themes and arguments
Identify the key turning points in Korean history
Analyze the role of geography and culture in shaping Korean history

Four other activities

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Participate in online discussions on Korean culture and thought

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Engage with fellow learners to exchange ideas and perspectives on the course material

Browse courses on Korean Culture

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Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to Korean culture and thought
Actively participate in discussions, sharing your insights and asking questions
Respect and consider the opinions of others, even if you disagree

Practice translating Korean primary sources

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Gain hands-on experience with early Korean texts to improve your understanding of the course material

Browse courses on Korean Language

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Find online resources or textbooks that provide Korean primary sources with translations
Try to translate the sources on your own, focusing on identifying key terms and ideas
Compare your translations to the provided translations and identify areas for improvement

Explore online tutorials on Korean Buddhism

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Gain a deeper understanding of Korean Buddhism and its impact on Korean culture and thought

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Search for online tutorials or courses on Korean Buddhism
Follow the tutorials, taking notes on key concepts and practices
Apply what you have learned to your understanding of the course material

Create a presentation on the influence of Chinese characters on Korean language and culture

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Demonstrate your understanding of the complex relationship between Chinese characters and Korean language and culture

Browse courses on Korean Language

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Research the history and evolution of Chinese characters in Korea
Identify the different ways in which Chinese characters have influenced Korean vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation
Create a visual presentation that illustrates your findings

Career center

Learners who complete In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past by studying historical documents and sources. Studying the history of Korean culture and thought is directly relevant to the work of a Historian.

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Archivist

Archivists appraise, acquire, preserve, and make accessible historical records, including cultural artifacts. This course is directly relevant to the work of an Archivist specializing in Korean history.

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Philosopher

Philosophers study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. This course may be useful for a Philosopher specializing in the history of Korean philosophy or the relationship between Korean culture and philosophy.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and organize museum exhibitions, care for museum collections, and conduct research in their area of expertise. This course is directly relevant to the work of a Museum Curator specializing in Korean history.

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Theologist

Theologists study religious beliefs and practices, often focusing on a particular religion or religious tradition. This course may be useful for a Theologian specializing in the history of Korean religions or the relationship between Korean culture and religion.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. This course may be useful for a Journalist specializing in Korean history, culture, or politics.

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Teacher

Teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects. This course may be useful for a Teacher specializing in Korean history, culture, or philosophy.

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Writer

Writers create written content, such as books, articles, and scripts. This course may be useful for a Writer specializing in Korean history, culture, or philosophy.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans and cultures. This course may be useful in helping to understand the origins of Korean culture and its relationship to other cultures.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study the development, structure, and functioning of human societies. This course may be useful in helping to understand the origins and development of Korean society.

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Translator

Translators convert written text from one language to another. This course may be useful for a Translator specializing in Korean history or culture.

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Editor

Editors review, correct, and improve written content. This course may be useful for an Editor specializing in Korean history, culture, or philosophy.

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Librarian

Librarians help library patrons access information and use library resources and services. This course may be useful for a Librarian specializing in Korean history, culture, or literature.

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Interpreter

Interpreters facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. This course may be useful for an Interpreter specializing in Korean history or culture.

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College Professor

College Professors are chiefly responsible for teaching college-level courses and interacting with students. This course may be useful in helping teach any courses concerning Korean culture and history.

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In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy

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