Asian Studies: Contemporary Korean Society

This 7.5-credit course examines key issues in contemporary Korean society. You’ll study popular culture, gender, demographic change and political developments in both North and South Korea. The course also addresses inter-Korean relations and Korea’s expanding role in global affairs. 

By the end, you’ll be able to explain major developments in Korean society and politics and understand how they relate to broader regional and global trends. 

Whether your interest lies in politics, culture or international relations, this course will help you understand Korea’s past, present and future and how different issues are linked. 

No prior knowledge of Korea is required. All you need is curiosity about East Asia and a willingness to think critically. 

Course literature

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

The course is fully online, so you can study from anywhere with a computer and internet access. All materials, communication and assignments are managed through Canvas, the university’s digital learning platform. 

Lectures are uploaded weekly and can be viewed at your convenience. Select sessions will be held live on Zoom, offering opportunities for real-time interaction. 

You’ll also take part in online seminars, which will give you the chance to reflect on key themes and engage with classmates.  

You’re expected to take an active role in discussions and course work. 

The assessment is based on two written assignments: a seminar paper (3 credits) and a final home exam (4.5 credits). These help you develop your own perspective, connect ideas and communicate clearly. 

Prerequisites

To be admitted to the course, students must meet the general entry requirements and have completed at least 30 credits at first or second cycle level. Oral and written language proficiency in English equivalent to English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school is a requirement. International qualifications will be assessed in accordance with national guidelines. A general exemption from the requirement of proficiency in Swedish is applied.

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 14,375
First payment: SEK 14,375

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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.