Intro to Premodern Korean Literature

Unit 1 – Premodern Korean Lit & Culture Intro

Unit 2 – Early Korean Myths and Folklore

Unit 3 – Three Kingdoms Period in Korean History

Unit 4 – Unified Silla Era (668-935 CE)

Unit 5 – The Goryeo Dynasty: Korea's Medieval Era

Unit 6 – Goryeo Poetry and Prose

Unit 7 – Joseon Dynasty: Korea's 500-Year Era

Unit 8 – Joseon Poetry in Korean Literature

Unit 9 – Joseon Prose Literature

Unit 10 – Joseon Literature: Historical & Philosophical

Unit 11 – Pansori: Korean Traditional Performance Art

Unit 12 – Premodern Korean Literature: A Legacy

## What do you learn in Introduction to Premodern Korean Literature and Culture

Covers Korean literature and culture from ancient times to the late 19th century. You'll explore classic texts, poetry, and historical writings, diving into themes like Confucianism, Buddhism, and traditional Korean aesthetics. The course also touches on social structures, gender roles, and the development of Korean language and writing systems.

## Is Introduction to Premodern Korean Literature and Culture hard?

It can be challenging if you're new to Korean culture or literature in general. The ancient texts and unfamiliar concepts might seem daunting at first. But don't worry, most profs break it down well and provide translations. As long as you keep up with readings and participate in discussions, you should be fine. It's more about understanding and interpreting than memorizing facts.

## Tips for taking Introduction to Premodern Korean Literature and Culture in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Keep a glossary of key terms and concepts (like sijo poetry or yangban class)
3. Watch Korean historical dramas for context (try "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" or "The Red Sleeve")
4. Practice reading Hangul, even if you don't understand it all
5. Join a study group to discuss and interpret texts together
6. Read "The Story of Hong Gildong" for a taste of classic Korean literature
7. Check out "The Columbia Anthology of Traditional Korean Poetry" for extra reading

## Common pre-requisites for Introduction to Premodern Korean Literature and Culture

1. Introduction to East Asian Studies: Provides a broad overview of East Asian history, culture, and societies. It's a great foundation for diving deeper into Korean studies.

2. World Literature Survey: Covers major works of literature from various cultures and time periods. This class helps develop critical reading and analysis skills applicable to Korean literature.

## Classes similar to Introduction to Premodern Korean Literature and Culture

1. Modern Korean Literature and Culture: Explores Korean literature and culture from the late 19th century to present day. You'll learn about Korea's rapid modernization and its impact on literature and society.

2. Classical Chinese Literature: Focuses on major works of Chinese literature from ancient times to the Qing dynasty. It's relevant because of China's significant influence on Korean culture and literature.

3. Japanese Literature in Translation: Covers key works of Japanese literature throughout history. It's interesting to compare and contrast with Korean literature, given the two countries' intertwined histories.

4. Introduction to Asian Religions: Examines major religious traditions in Asia, including Buddhism and Confucianism. This provides crucial context for understanding themes in Korean literature.

## Majors related to Introduction to Premodern Korean Literature and Culture

1. East Asian Studies: Focuses on the languages, cultures, and histories of East Asian countries. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the region, including Korea's place within it.

2. Comparative Literature: Involves studying literature from different cultures and languages. Students learn to analyze and compare literary works across cultural boundaries.

3. Asian Languages and Cultures: Concentrates on learning Asian languages and exploring their associated cultures. Students often specialize in a specific language and culture, such as Korean.

4. Cultural Anthropology: Examines human cultures and societies, including their beliefs, behaviors, and institutions. Students learn to understand and interpret cultural practices and traditions.

## What can you do with a degree in Introduction to Premodern Korean Literature and Culture?

1. Translator/Interpreter: Work with Korean texts or facilitate communication between Korean and English speakers. This role requires strong language skills and cultural understanding.

2. Cultural Consultant: Advise businesses or organizations on Korean cultural practices and norms. This job involves bridging cultural gaps and promoting understanding in various settings.

3. Museum Curator: Organize exhibitions and manage collections related to Korean art and culture. This role combines knowledge of Korean history and culture with skills in preservation and presentation.

4. Academic Researcher: Conduct in-depth studies on various aspects of Korean literature and culture. This career involves analyzing texts, exploring historical contexts, and contributing to academic discourse.

## Introduction to Premodern Korean Literature and Culture FAQs

1. Do I need to know Korean to take this course? Most courses offer texts in translation, but knowing some Korean can be helpful. It's usually not a requirement, though.

2. How much reading is typically assigned? Expect to read several short texts or poems each week. The amount varies, but it's manageable if you stay on top of it.

3. Are there any field trips or cultural experiences? Some courses might include visits to Korean cultural centers or museums. It depends on your location and the professor's approach.

Literature

1.1 Overview of Korean literary and cultural history

1.2 Defining characteristics of premodern Korean literature

1.3 The role of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shamanism in shaping Korean culture

1.4 The Korean writing system: Hanja and Hangul

2.1 The Dangun myth and the founding of Korea

2.2 The Samguk Yusa and the Samguk Sagi: Historical records and mythical tales

2.3 Korean folk tales and their cultural significance

2.4 The influence of oral traditions on written literature

3.1 Historical background and cultural developments

3.2 The Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla kingdoms

3.3 The Hyangga: Native Korean poetry of the Silla period

3.4 The influence of Chinese culture and Buddhism on Korean literature

4.1 The unification of the Korean peninsula under Silla

4.2 The rise of the Hwarang warriors and their literary contributions

4.4 The development of Seon (Zen) Buddhism and its impact on literature

4.3 The Nine Cloud Dream: A representative work of the period

5.1 Historical background and cultural achievements

5.2 The flourishing of Buddhism and its influence on literature

5.3 The invention of the Goryeo Celadon and its cultural significance

5.4 The Samguk Yusa: A collection of historical records, legends, and folktales

6.1 The development of Hanshi (Chinese-style poetry) in Korea

6.2 The Gaoli Tujing: A travelogue of Goryeo by a Chinese scholar

6.3 The Dongmyeong Wang Pyeon: A epic poem about the founder of Goguryeo

6.4 The Goryeo Gayo: Indigenous Korean poetry of the period

7.1 Historical background and the rise of Neo-Confucianism

7.2 The invention of the Korean alphabet, Hangul, and its impact on literature

7.3 The role of the Yangban class in shaping Joseon society and culture

7.4 The influence of Neo-Confucian philosophy on literature and arts

8.1 The Sijo: A native Korean poetic form

8.2 The Gasa: A longer form of Korean poetry

8.3 The works of prominent Joseon poets, such as Yun Seondo and Hwang Jini

8.4 The influence of Chinese poetry on Joseon literature

9.1 The development of the Korean novel

9.2 The Honggildongjeon: A satirical novel critiquing Joseon society

9.3 The Chunhyangjeon: A love story and a classic of Korean literature

9.4 The Geumo Sinhwa: A collection of short stories from the late Joseon period

10.3 The works of prominent Neo-Confucian scholars, such as Yi Hwang and Yi I

10.4 The Silhak Movement: Practical learning and social reform in the late Joseon period

10.1 The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty: Official historical records

10.2 The Dongui Bogam: A comprehensive medical text

11.1 The origins and development of Pansori

11.2 The five surviving Pansori works and their themes

11.3 The role of Pansori in preserving and transmitting Korean cultural heritage

11.4 Other traditional Korean performing arts, such as Talchum and Ganggangsullae

12.1 The impact of premodern literature on modern and contemporary Korean culture

12.2 The preservation and transmission of premodern Korean literary works

12.3 The influence of premodern Korean literature on other East Asian cultures

12.4 The significance of studying premodern Korean literature and culture in the modern world

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