Asian Studies: Contemporary Japanese and Korean Societies

This course gives you the tools to explore modern-day Japan and Korea from several angles: historical, cultural, political, and social. You'll learn how each country's past affects the way people live, think, and relate to one another today.

The course begins with an overview of major political and social developments in Japan, North Korea and South Korea since the end of the Cold War. You’ll explore how historical legacies, such as colonialism and national division, continue to shape life today.

Next, you’ll compare Japan and South Korea more closely—focusing on shared experiences like occupation, authoritarianism and democratization, rapid economic development, and social transformation.

You’ll also examine how media plays a central role in shaping continuity and change in both societies, and how China’s influence affects the region.

Finally, the course turns to current challenges. You’ll look at population ageing, gender inequality, and migration – key issues that are shaping the future of both Japan and Korea.

Throughout, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how social, political, and cultural forces connect – and how different disciplines can help us analyse these complex societies.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The course is taught through a mix of lectures, seminars, and film screenings. Building on the latest cutting-edge research, you’ll discuss and present about the key issues facing Korea and Japan today.

You’ll be assessed through two individual seminar papers (worth 4.5 credits each) and a final take-home exam (6 credits). If needed, there are re-sit opportunities within the same year.

The course is based on active learning – you’re encouraged to take part in discussions, think critically, and apply theories to real-world examples. You’ll receive guidance and have the chance to explore the questions that interest you most.

After completing this course, you’ll have a deep understanding of the political, social, and cultural issues facing Japan and Korea. This knowledge can be applied to a variety of fields, including international relations, media, sociology, and cultural studies. You’ll also gain valuable research and critical thinking skills.

The course is perfect if you’re interested in pursuing a career in areas like policy analysis, the NGO sector, or international organisations focused on East Asia. It also gives you a strong foundation for further academic studies in Japanese and Korean studies or related fields.

Above all, it’s a course for those who want to understand Asia and the world more deeply—and contribute to explaining and interpreting it.

Prerequisites

The student must have a Bachelor's degree in social sciences or humanities. English 6/English course B from Swedish upper secondary school

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 31,250
First payment: SEK 31,250

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.