33502 - Laboratory Course In Korean Studies

Learning outcomes

The laboratory aims at helping the students understand the importance of the role of civil society in the process of political development of South Korea. Pivotal actor in the transition process to democracy, civil society has subsequently undergone important transformations that, in any case, have not modified its nature. Therefore, the course will take into exam (from 1910 to present): - main actors of Korean civil society, their strategies, their relations with the political sphere, their struggles, their political and social achievements. At the end of the course, the student: - perfectly knows the political development of the Republic of Korea, he distinguishes the main junctures and critically understand the main characteristics of each of them; - knows the composition, strategies and objectives of the main social movement organizations active during the authoritarian period; - knows the relevance of social movement organizations on the scenario of the country under analysis; - he can discuss critically on the main topics emerged during the course.

Course contents

The program of the course will be based on a series of that will help the students to better understand the Korean civil society from several perspectives. An essential reading, however, is Sunhyuk Kim, Politics of Democratization in Korea: The Role of Civil Society, Un. of Pittsburgh Press (2000).

Readings/Bibliography

Sunhyuk Kim (2000), Politics of Democratization in Korea. The Role of Civil Society, Un. of Pittsburgh Press. Other articles will be indicated/distributed directly by the instructor.

Teaching methods

Lectures and plenum discussion. Highly significant will be the active participation to the discussion during classes.

Assessment methods

Group presentation and final exam.

Teaching tools

Films.

Office hours

See the website of Antonio Fiori