Special Topics in Non-West History: Korea/China
Course Description:
The course centers upon the Korean peninsula, the fulcrum of East Asia. The experience encompasses Korean history-dwelling especially upon the entanglement with Japanese Colonialism and the punishing Korea War - via excursions to ancient palaces, battle sties, and the DMZ. Korea's territorial and political division, the predicament of North Korea, is another point of interest, and in search of answers we will travel to the northeastern provinces of the People's Republic of China abutting North Korea's northern border, weaving through the mountain ranges said to be the mythical origin of both the Korean people and the North Korean revolution.
One week on the Chinese-North Korean border will offer an opportunity to view an inexhaustible number of museum and battle sights. Via travel to various locations, the student can understand rapidly the physical divide of the Korean peninsula, dig at the roots of anti-Japanese sentiment, the grapple with the changes of North Korean society that are manifested outside of the DPRK. Moreover students will perform several days of original research in English-language materials a the National Library in Seoul, doing on-site research into historical topics that would not be possible in the United States.
Course Objectives:
• Identify the impact of Japanese violence and colonialism on the Korean people and peninsula.
• Analyze the legacy of the Korean War.
• View the problem of North Korea and North Korean foreign relations from multiple perspectives.
Course Credit:
HIST 389 (4 credits). History Department credit. GUR credit.
Program Fee:
$4,625. Includes airfare, lodging, program-related transportation, visa fees. Does not include the cost of recommended immunizations. See PLU Health Services' website for recommendations and costs.
Application Deadline:
April 18, 2008. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required with the application. A $250.00 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation in the course is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance. Maximum of 18 students.
Faculty Leaders:
Dr. Adam Cathcart, Assistant Professor of History
253-535-7640 or cathcaaj@plu.edu