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.
Gender, Family, and Social Change in Contemporary South Korea
Offered By
Yonsei University
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1The 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.
4 videos (Total 25 min), 1 reading, 5 quizzes
4 videos
1.1 Joseon Dynasty and Confucianism5m
1.2 Novels in Colonial Period and the Emergence of the New Woman7m
1.3 The Korean Civil War and Female Employment in Post War South Korea7m
1 reading
KOREAN WOMEN10m
4 practice exercises
Who was Kim Sooim?2m
What is a "V-line?"2m
Who was Shin Saimdang2m
Over A T-Shirt??2m
Week
2The (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.
3 videos (Total 25 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
3 videos
2.2 Changed Family Structure and Singletons8m
2.3 Globalization of Korean Family10m
1 reading
The (Un)making of the Modern Family Readings10m
1 practice exercise
The (Un)making of the Modern Family Quiz12m
Week
3Female 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.
3 videos (Total 18 min), 4 readings, 1 quiz
3 videos
3.2 Plastic Surgery Body Lines and Trends in Contemporary Korean Society7m
3.3 Neoliberalism and Stratified Korean Society5m
4 readings
Chinese textbook helps boys find masculine side amid ‘gender crisis’ caused by effeminate men in Japanese, Korean culture10m
Korea's First Plus-Size Model: Korea's Unrealistic Beauty Standard10m
From Metrosexual to Spornosexual – Two Decades of Male Deliciousness10m
Socioeconomic disparities intensifying: report10m
Week
4Sexuality 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.
3 videos (Total 26 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
3 videos
4.2 Commercialization of Sexuality9m
4.3 Sexual Minorities in Korea9m
1 reading
Sexuality in Korea Readings10m
1 practice exercise
Sexuality in Korea Quiz20m
4.7
13 Reviews67%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
33%
got a pay increase or promotion
Top Reviews
By CB•Feb 21st 2018
Excellent course. I strongly recommend it for anyone interested in Korean culture. I took it because I am writing about KPOP and sexuality but I learnt much more and am really glad I did it.
By JQ•May 28th 2017
Interesting course, especially to learn of Korea today in comparison to 50 years ago when I lived there about a year. Fascinating to see the changes socially. Thanks so much!
Instructors
Hyun Mee Kim
ProfessorDepartment of Cultural Anthropology
Yoo Theodore Jun
ProfessorCollege of Liberal Arts
About Yonsei University
Yonsei University was established in 1885 and is the oldest private university in Korea.
Yonsei’s main campus is situated minutes away from the economic, political, and cultural centers of Seoul’s metropolitan downtown. Yonsei has 3,500 eminent faculty members who are conducting cutting-edge research across all academic disciplines. There are 18 graduate schools, 22 colleges and 133 subsidiary institutions hosting a selective pool of students from around the world.
Yonsei is proud of its history and reputation as a leading institution of higher education and research in Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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Is financial aid available?
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