This course is designed to introduce students to modernn Korean history from the late Joseon Dynasty to the 1980s through its recent films, and to improve their knowledge of Korean culture, society, and history. This course explores social, cultural transformations in Korea with an emphasis on the major changes in the modern period through a selection of contemporary Korean feature films. The selected films with fact-based historical themes have gained wide popularity both local audiences and foreign viewers. The primary objectives of the course are to:

• understand important historical topics, issues, or themes in historical context
• learn about basic terms, events, and circumstances, key figures in Korean history
• enhance the capability to read and interprete texts and topics related to Korean literature, history, religions, and society