Samuel G. Collins
Li318-A, x43199
scollins@towson.edu
www.towson.edu/~scollins
Office Hours:
Mondays, 1-3 p.m.
Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m.
Course description: The various economic, social and cultural processes associated with "globalization" are thought to challenge anthropology in profound ways, problematizing both the construction of the anthropological "object" and our relationship to it. Accordingly, we are supposed to adopt a range of new strategies and theories. We cannot, Michael Herzfeld has quipped, rely on participant observation in hermetically sealed localities while "the villagers themselves are busily commuting to the city" and "tracking old friends through the communications highway" (Herzfeld 2000: 6).
Korea poses just such a challenge. Developing across 5000 years of oftentimes tumultuous history--particularly during the 20th century--Korea is a highly globalized nation that is simultaneously, recognizably Korean, i.e., both global and local. Examining Korea in historical and contemporary contexts forces us to develop notions of modernity and globalization that are less rooted in Western experiences, less tied to single lines of "development."
Accordingly, we begin with an exploration of "tradition" and "change" in Korea, analyzing the tensions between 5000 years of history on the Korean peninsula combined with the rapid-fire, revolutionary change over the last 100 years that has positioned South Korea as a major force in the global economy. Next, we will consider Korean life as part of a larger process of globalization. Economically, politically, culturally and transnationally, South Korea is connected to other countries in the world system. By examining the sometimes disastrous interpenetration of South Korea and the United States, we will explore the relevance of South Korea to our evolving understanding of globalization and identity. Finally, we will discuss the problems and logistics of studying, working and living in South Korea, contextualizing those difficulties in a dialectic of power and culture.
On our way to anthropological understanding, we will use a variety of materials: ethnographies of Korean culture and social life, movies, comics, television programs, magazines and newspapers. No previous knowledge of Korean language or culture is needed!
required readings:
The following books are available in the campus bookstore:
Abelmann, Nancy (2003). The Melodrama of Mobility. Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press.
Cumings, Bruce (1997). Korea's Place in the Sun. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.
Additional required materials available online through Cook Library on "Project Muse" and "Academic Ebsco."
See my homepage for recommended materials.
graded assignments:
participation
In order to help us work through the sometimes difficult material I've assigned
in this class, students will be responsible for at least two (2) book reports
on selected class readings over the course of the semester. Book reports should
be approximately 10 minutes in length, summarize content and suggest critical
inroads for subsequent class discussions. At the end of the presentations,
students
should hand in a print copy of their comments. 50 pts.
homework
Since the final project is an in-depth discussion of some aspect of Korean life
in the context of globalization, students should begin collecting material
(e.g., newspaper articles, magazine advertisements, interesting webpages)
for their final papers as soon as possible. Every Monday (beginning Week 3), students should
hand in one, relevant "item" pertinent to their semester research
projects. 50 pts.
final project
Based on class readings and materials, students will write and present a paper
on
some aspect of contemporary Korean culture in the context of
globalization. 50 pts.
final examination
A short answer test evaluating your knowledge of class readings and your
ability to apply ideas from class lectures and discussions. 50 pts.
class grading:
A 186+
A- 180-185
B+ 174-179
B 166-173
B- 160-165
C+ 154-159
C 146-153
C- 140-145
D+ 134-139
D 120-133
F <120
class schedule:
Week 1 (8/30-9/1): Introduction to the course and explanation of syllabus.
Language, History and Myth
Week 2 (9/8): History, Three Kingdoms to Joseon; Religion
Assigned Readings: Cumings, Chps. 1-3
Film: Why Has the Bodhi-Dharma Left for the East? (Bae Young-Kyun,1989)
September 6: LABOR DAY
September 8: Change of Schedule Period Ends
Week 3 (9/13-9/15): History, Joseon to Korean War
Reading: Cumings, Chps. 4-6
Pai, Margaret K. "The Tragic Split." Manoa 14.2
(2002-2003). [Project Muse]
Film: "Chihwaseon" (Im Kwon-Taek, 2002)
Week 4 (9/17-9/19): History, Korean War to Park Jung Hee
September 17: First Homework Due
Reading: Cumings, Chps. 7-9
Hwang, Sun-Won. "Cranes." Manoa 14.2 (2002-2003). [Project Muse]
Week 5 (9/20-9/22): History, Park Chung Hee to present.
Reading: Cumings, Chapter 10
Choi, In Hoon. "The End of the State Highway." Manoa 11.2 (1999). [Project Muse]
Abelmann, Chp. 1-3
Week 6 (9/27-9/29): Development, Modernization and Culture
Readings: Abelmann, Chps. 4-5
Yi, Ch'ongjun. "An Assailant's Face." Manoa 11.2 (1999). [Project Muse]
Film: "Take Care of My Cat" (Goyangirul Butakhae) (2001)
Week 7 (10/4-10/6): Globalization and its Discontents
Readings: Abelmann, Chp. 6
Kong, Sonok. "Parched Season." Manoa 11.2 (1999). [Project Muse]
Week 8 (10/11-10/13): The IMF era.
Readings: Abelmann, Chp. 7
Kim, Seung-kyung. "Living With Rhetoric, Living Against Rhetoric: Korean Families in the IMF Economic Crisis." Korean Studies 26.1 (2002). [Project Muse]
Week 9 (10/18-10/20): Consumption and Identity
Readings: Abelmann, Chp. 8
Film: Juyuso Seupgyeok Sageon (Attack the Gas Station) (2000)
Week 10 (10/25-10/27): Popular Culture/ Mass Culture
Readings: Abelmann, Chp. 9
Kim, Kyung Hyun. "Male Crisis in New Korean Cinema."
positions 9.2 (2001). [Project Muse]
Week 11 (11/1-11/3): "Kwasobi" and the Nation
Readings: Abelmann, Chp. 10
Film: "The Way Home" (2002)
Week 12 (11/8-11/10): Korea in Diaspora: Emigration and the U.S.
November 10: Last day to withdraw with a grade of ‘W’
Last day to change Pass-Fail and Audit options.
Readings: Kang, Younghill. "East Goes West." Manoa 14.2 (2002-2003). [Project Muse]
Jung, Ha-Yun. "Home Spheres." Manoa 14.2
(2002-2003). [Project Muse]
Week 13 (11/15-11/17): November 21-25: THANKSGIVING
Korean Identities and U.S. Society
Readings: Kim, Elena. "Wedding Citizenship and Culture: Korean
Adoptees and the Global Family of Korea." Social Text 21(1).
[Project Muse]
Min, Pyong Gap. "Changes in Korean Immigrant's Gender Roles, Social Status and Marital Conflicts." Sociological Forum 16.2 (2001). [Ebsco]
Film: Western Avenue (1993)
Week 14 (11/22-11/24): Korea, Transnationalism and Globalization
Week 15 (11/25-11/28): Thanksgiving Vacation
Week 16 (11/29-12/1): Studying, Working and Living in Korea.
Week 17 (12/6-12/8): Semester Review
December 8: LAST DAY OF CLASS
FINAL PAPERS DUE
December 15: FINAL EXAMINATION, 3-5 pm
notes
1. Although exams and graded work will remain as stated above, I may have to
change different readings or films on the syllabus throughout the semester. I
will, in any case, try to give you ample warning of any syllabus changes.
2. Each student is expected to be familiar with the University=s rules regarding cheating and plagiarism (Towson University Undergraduate Catalog, Appendix F). Neither will be tolerated in my class and will result in a flunking grade.
The faculty of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice take a strong stand against Academic Dishonesty of all forms. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in any class. It includes, but is not limited to, any form of cheating or unapproved help on an exam or academic exercise, copying someone else’s written work without citation, presenting fabricated information as legitimate, any unauthorized collaboration among students, or assisting someone to cheat in any way. All students have the ethical responsibility for doing their own work. A student who is uncertain about whether or not something constitutes academic dishonesty in a particular class has the obligation to see their instructor for clarification. Consistent with university policy, the minimum penalty for academic dishonesty in any form is determined by the individual faculty member in each class, and may consist of “a reduced grade (including “F” or zero) for the assignment; a reduced grade (including “F”) for the entire course,” or other options as stipulated in Appendix F of the Undergraduate Catalog. Students who are charged with academic dishonesty must remain enrolled in the course and cannot withdraw. Instructors who make the determination that academic dishonesty has occurred will notify the student in writing of the finding, the penalty, and the process for appeal. The same written notice will be forwarded
3. Students with learning disabilities should register at the Disability Support Services Office.
explanation of grading
Consistent with University policy, the following grades will be assigned
according to the designated criteria:
A: A superior performance surpassing assigned work in unique and novel ways and
integrating diverse ideas from a wide range of sources in addition to those
discussed in class.
A-
B+
B: Excellent work surpassing the expectations of the assignment and
demonstrating initiative
and a willingness to move beyond the basic requirements of the assigned work.
B-
C+
C: Satisfactory work meeting all basic requirements of the assignment.
C-
D+
D: Work in some way less than satisfactory. Although conforming to basic
requirements in some way, the completed work is nevertheless not a coherent
response to the
assignment.
F: A profoundly unsatisfactory performance which doesn't meet
the intent of the assignment at any level.