East Asian Studies 200 - COLQ: TOPICS EAST ASIAN STUD

Focusing on a theme of significance to the region, this course introduces students to a variety of methods of inquiry used for research in the interdisciplinary field of East Asian studies. Students are introduced to methods of locating and analyzing information sources, developing research questions and writing during the course of the semester. Normally taken in the sophomore or junior year. Also open to non-EAS majors. Enrollment limited to 18.  Imagining, constructing and criticizing national identity and cultural tradition in film and literature from the two Koreas. Modern and contemporary Korean filmic texts juxtapose two tropes: the beautiful, tranquil Orient and a violent, frenetic hypermodernity. This arises from Koreans identifying themselves and their experiences differently from how outsiders see them, as the exotic East. Furthermore, since the 1990s, Koreans have struggled to overcome the national in the face of overwhelming globalization. No prerequisites. All films subtitled in English. Topic cannot be repeated for credit. Enrollment limited to 18.

Topic: Beauty and Violence in Korean Film