koreanculture2001

ANTH 370.001: Korea, Globalization and Anthropology
MW, 12:30-1:45 p.m., Li-316

Samuel G. Collins
Li318-A, x43199
scollins@towson.edu
www.towson.edu/~scollins

Office Hours:
Mondays, 2-4 p.m.
Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m.
Fridays, 1-2 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 to anthropology. 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.
1996 Echoes of the Past, Epics of Dissent. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Cumings, Bruce.
1997 Korea's Place in the Sun. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.

Lee, Chang-Rae.
1997 Native Speaker. New York: Riverhead Books.

Nelson, Laura C.
2000 Measured Excess. New York: Columbia University Press.