Gender, Family, and Social Change in Contemporary South Korea

Bachelor 2021/2022

Type: Elective course (Asian and African Studies)

Area of studies: Asian and African Studies

Delivered by: School of Asian Studies

Where: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

When: 5 year, 1 module

Mode of studies: distance learning

Online hours: 24

Open to: everyone

Instructors: Natalia Kim

Language: English

ECTS credits: 4

Contact hours: 4

Full Syllabus Ask Question

Abstract

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.

Learning Objectives

Students will know such topics 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.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Control of the learning efficiency.
Student formulate how female and male beauty standards and aesthetics have changed over the past two centuries.
Student formulates what role communities, public organisations play in promotion rights of sexual minorities.
Student is capable to analyse relationship between family and sexuality, commodified sexuality, to the issues of sexual minorities.
Student shows knowledge of the Joseon period of Korean history and literature.
Student shows the strategically gendered division of role in making modern Korean families and contemporary changes in the perception of marriage and family in Korea.
Student understands how the course works.
Student understands ranging from the relationship between family and sexuality, commodified sexuality, to the issues of sexual minorities.

Course Contents

Introduction
1. The Gendering of Modernity and Military Authoritarianism
2. The (Un)making of the Modern Family
3. Female Beauty / Male Beauty & Body Aesthetics
4. Sexuality in Korea
5. Commercialization of Sexuality
6. Sexual Minorities in Korea
Summing-up

Assessment Elements

Test after the 1st week (10 minutes)
Test after the 2nd week (10 minutes)
Test after the 3d week (10 minutes)
Test after the 4th week (10 minutes)
Test after the 5th week (10 minutes)
Test after the 6th week (10 minutes)

Interim Assessment

2021/2022 1st module
0.17 * Test after the 6th week (10 minutes) + 0.17 * Test after the 5th week (10 minutes) + 0.17 * Test after the 4th week (10 minutes) + 0.16 * Test after the 2nd week (10 minutes) + 0.16 * Test after the 1st week (10 minutes) + 0.17 * Test after the 3d week (10 minutes)

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Alesina, A., Giuliano, P., & Nunn, N. (2013). On the Origins of Gender Roles: Women and the Plough*. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 128(2), 469–530. https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qjt005
Alexandra Dawson, & Céline Barrédy. (2018). Private equity investment in family firms: the role of stake size and deal syndication. Venture Capital, (4), 355. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691066.2018.1516358
Cho, H., Surendra, L., & Cho, H. (2013). Contemporary South Korean Society : A Critical Perspective. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=506910
McCreary, D. R., & Chrisler, J. C. (2010). Handbook of Gender Research in Psychology : Volume 1: Gender Research in General and Experimental Psychology. New York: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=326484

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Budinayte G.L., & Kogan-Lerner L.B. (2011). Image of family structure by 6—8 years children in the situation of divorce. Konsulʹtativnaâ Psihologiâ i Psihoterapiâ, (2), 91. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsdoj&AN=edsdoj.70bdb5ebd72448a18762e325d66801d8
Connell, R. W. (2009). Understanding Men: Gender Sociology and the New International Research on Masculinities. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.990C1786
Diverse spaces of childhood and youth. Gender and other socio-cultural differences, , 2014

Course Syllabus