2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

EAST2025 Global Korea in Context: Sociocultural and Political Dynamics

20 Credits Class Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Jieun Kim
Email: j.e.kim@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

Mutually Exclusive

EAST3222

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module explores the dynamics of socio-cultural and political transformations of Korea in the global context since the twentieth century. It aims to introduce students to major historical events, institutional changes, discourses and practices that shape Korean society, culture and politics today. It also fosters an understanding of Korea’s place in the world by considering cross-cultural and geopolitical influences. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.

Objectives

To enhance students' knowledge of the dynamics of Korea in the global context since the twentieth century.  

To enhance students’ ability to locate relevant primary and secondary sources on selected topics of the socio-cultural and political transformations of Korea.  

To develop students' ability to apply theories and methods to analyse selected topics of Korea in the global context.  

To develop students' ability to comprehend the applicability and limitations of different theories and methods.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1- demonstrate breadth of knowledge of the major socio-cultural and political transformations of Korea in global context since the twentieth century.
2- locate primary and secondary sources relevant to selected topics of socio-cultural and political dynamics related to Korea.
3- identify biases in one’s own reasoning in understanding sociocultural and political phenomena in Korea and beyond.  
4- compare a range of theories and methods used in the study of contemporary Korean society, culture and politics in the context of cross-cultural and geopolitical influences.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

5- Communicate effectively.   
6- Information Searching: Synthesise and use information from a number of sources and perspectives
7- Coordinate across the team members to achieve a common goal and work through any disagreements

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 10 1 10
Seminar 10 1 10
Private study hours 180
Total Contact hours 20
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

On-going monitoring in lectures and seminars (through, for example, questioning to check student understanding; paying close attention to who is answering questions during classroom discussions and calling on non-volunteers; asking students to elaborate on one another's answers; engaging in 1-1 contacts with students about their work; and conducting periodic reviews to confirm students' grasp of material and identifying gaps in their knowledge etc). To provide support for the summative coursework, there will be skills development sessions as part of the seminars, in which students will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas and work on their skills. In addition, there will be formative milestones (literature list and outline of group project) for which students will be given feedback. Individual feedback from tutors to students can be provided in office hours and or in meetings by appointment.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Coursework Literature review 30
Coursework Group Project 70
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team