This course is designed to give students an overview of contemporary South Korean politics snd society in the period from the 1960s to the present. The course reviews recent socio-political changes in Korea including Korea's rapid economic development in the 1960s and in the 1970s, democratisation and the resurrection of civil society in the 1980s, and globalisation and neoliberal reforms since the 1990s. This course will explore relevant theories and concepts in the social sciences (mainly political science and sociology) to analyse these changes in Korea. During the tutorials the students will be given an opportunity to discuss in depth some pressing political and social issues in Korea, seek parallels in other Asian and Western societies and consider possible solutions to these problems at structural, institutional and behavioral levels.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have gained an understanding of how contemporary South Korean society works and a broad knowledge of the major features of its politics, everyday life and culture.

Weekly Reports 30%; Tutorial Paper (1000 words) 15%; Participation 10%, Presentation (15%); Long Essay (3000 words)  30%

Three contact hours per week.

6 University Courses (36 units)

No preliminary reading required. Students will be provided with handouts and a Reading Brick which contains photocopied materials including extracts from topical articles and books as well as relevant statistics, and a list of recommended literature. The lectures will also be supplemented with various video and photographic materials.