This course is a survey of modern Korean history and politics from the late nineteenth century to the present and will examine the transformation of politics, economy, society, religion, and culture in the peninsula during this period. Rather than proceeding from a chronological narrative of historical development, we will focus on dominant themes and significant episodes, events, and epochal ruptures that have shaped the understanding of contemporary issues in the two Koreas as well as the way historians have interpreted and understood the past. Themes such as the relationship between state and society, nationalism and identity construction, capitalist development and modernization, democracy and authoritarian rule, and gender relations will be explored through critical theoretical texts, historical and literary texts, and films. Format: seminar/discussion. Requirements: two short papers, a take home final exam, and regular in -class participation, including response papers for course readings. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 15 (expected: 15). Preference given to those students with permission of instructor. Comparative Politics Subfield

Hour: J. LEE