Premodern Korean History


Professor George Kallander

Course Description and Goals

This survey course explores the development of Korean civilization from ancient times through the end of the eighteenth century. After examining early Korea through various foundation myths and stories, course readings and lectures will focus on the unfolding of political, cultural and social history from the Three Kingdoms period through unified Silla, Koryŏ and the end of the Chosŏn dynasty. Particular attention will be paid to the ongoing tension between Korean native traditions and the introduction and adoption of foreign (Sinic and Western) practices and religious beliefs (including Catholicism) and Korean political and social responses to pressure from outside the peninsula. By the end of the course, students will have a strong understanding of major trends, events and historical debates/controversies in premodern Korean history.

Prerequisites

No prior knowledge of Korea is required.

Grading Policy

Attendance and class participation (10%)

Quizzes (20%)

Based on class lectures/readings

Midterm (25%)

Weekly written responses to readings (20%)

Informal one page typed (single spaced) on Thursdays

Final exam (25%)

Texts and Films

Movies and documentaries to view

Time and opportunity permitting, some evenings I will be screening films related to premodern Korean history. Please try to attend as many as you can (or view them in the library). Announcements will be made regarding the schedule. Possible movies to be screened may include Musa (2001) and Hwang Jini (2007).

Course Texts and Reading Assignments

Readings will include a selection of primary and secondary sources to be made available in a course reader or as pdf files on a CD-ROM/flash drive. The reading schedule will be announced.

Week / Period / Weekly Topic & Contents / Course Material & Assignments / Reference
1 / June 29 – July 1 / Introductions
Early Korean Foundation Myths
Three Kingdoms Politics and Society
Premodern Foreign Relations
2 / July 5 – 8 / Silla Dynasty
Sinification vs. Native Traditions
Early Koryŏ
Buddhism
Ch’oe Family Military Rule / Short Quiz:
July 5
3 / July 12 – 15 / Late Koryŏ
Mongol Invasion
Mongol Rule and Collapse / Short Quiz:
July 12 / July 15 : Mid-term
4 / July 19– 22 / Early Chosŏn
Neo-Confucianism
State and Society
Politics of the Literati
Hideyoshi Invasion / Short Quiz:
July 19 / Korean History Museum Trip
5 / July 26 – 29 / Late Chosŏn
Scholarship
Recovery: Taxation and the Taedong Law
Manchu Invasions / Short Quiz:
July 26
6 / August 2-5 / Social and Political Change in the 18th century
Arrival of Western Religions
Debates in Premodern Korean History Today
Course Conclusion / August 5 : Final Exam

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