01:574:401 Advanced Readings in Korean  

This course is the first half of the Advanced Readings in Korean and it is designed for students who have finished three years of Korean courses (K101-K302) or have equivalent background in Korean language and culture. In this course, students will learn advanced vocabularies and expressions that will improve their reading comprehension skills, speaking skills and writing skills. Close readings of texts will be emphasized. Readings include Korean textbook, authentic materials as news articles, essay, and books & media related to social and historical background. Upon successful completion of this course, students will 1) achieve advanced levels of literacy skills and 2) understand Korean language, culture, society, and history.

Successful completion of the course fulfills the following Asian Languages and Cultures Departmental Learning Goals for Korean majors and minors:

  • Majors in Korean will acquire in-depth knowledge of the Korean language as well as the literature and culture of Korea. Majors will be able to demonstrate oral, reading, and written proficiency in the language and develop critical skills in analyzing and interpreting literary, historical, and cultural texts. Students will acquire the literary, cultural, and linguistic competency necessary for continuing onto post-graduate study or employment requiring such cultural knowledge and/or linguistic skill. Students will learn the cultural heritage of Korea within the larger context of East Asia through a wide and coherent curriculum, which includes courses in the following humanities and social science disciplines: literature, visual culture, history, religion, language, and linguistics.
  • Minors will be introduced to the cultural heritage of Korea through courses on literature, history, civilization, language, and linguistics. Minors will be able to communicate effectively (listening, speaking, and writing) in Korean and will learn critical skills in analyzing and interpreting historical and cultural materials appropriate to the student’s area of specialization. Students will achieve advanced linguistic competency and be able to demonstrate practical skills in using Korean for translation and interpretation. Students will be able to relate relevant issues to other areas in the humanities.

Course Materials: (1) Jeong H., Park, D., & Yeon, J. (2021) Integrated Korean – Advanced 1, KLEAR Textbooks in Korean Language. Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press. [ISBN: 9780824890087]
(2) Audio Materials: http://www.kleartextbook.com [Advanced > Advanced One > Click textbook Lesson 1-7 or workbook Lesson 1-7 tab]
* You are REQUIRED to either purchase or rent (1). By the first day of Week 2, you are expected to prepare (1). IF your book does not arrive by the day, you can bring a copy of it, however, YOU are responsible for making copies.

Grading: Attendance, Readiness & Participation 10%, Vocabulary Quiz 15%, Midterm Presentation 7%, Assignments 20%, Midterms 32%, Final Project 16%

Attendance and active participation are vital to success in a language class. You are required to attend every session on time and actively participate during the session. Frequent absences will lead to difficulties in keeping up with the course.

  • If your absences exceed 2 classes (3 and more absences), it will negatively affect your grade. If your absences exceed 6 classes (7 and more absences), you may fail the course. Being tardy to class or leaving class (5 minutes or more for both) early two times will count as an absence. Missing a class for more than 40 minutes will be also considered one absence.
  • Absences will be excused only on a case-by-case basis and at the instructor’s discretion. Students are responsible for providing advanced notification for any absence. When advanced notification is not possible, the student must provide notification as soon as possible and the notification should include an explanation of why the notice could not be sent prior to the absence from class.
  • In case you test positive for COVID-19, please inform the campus Student Health office of your positive test result and follow the university and CDC guideline. Also, please let your instructor know your quarantine and isolation schedule based on CDC calculator (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html).
  • For more information, refer to University wide Covid-19 Information website (https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/faqs).
  • It is YOUR responsibility to keep up with what you have missed for absences. Make-up tests or assignments will not be permitted in the case of an unexcused absence.
  • If you have any concerns regarding course attendance and participation, consult your instructor in advance.
  • Use of digital devices without permission will also negatively affect your grade. Digital devices must be turned off and put away during class.
    You are required to complete reading and writing assignments. Assignments include, but are not limited to, vocabulary exercise, reading comprehension questions, essay prompts and discussion questions. Also, you may be required to revise your work. Adequate grammar, vocab., and expressions level and organization skills for 400 level Korean are required. Submission details (e.g., due dates; mode of submission) will be announced in class.

You are required to give one formal presentation (midterm presentation). More information will be given in class.

There will be one vocabulary quiz for each reading (one or two per lesson). You are expected to review the vocabulary in advance and bring questions to class.

There will be two midterm exams for the course.

For your final project, you are required to give a presentation and write a paper [About 5 pages, typed, 12 (font size), double-spaced, 1-inch margin.] on your choice of a topic related to Seoul. This is not a project simply introducing attractions or places in Seoul. Rather, you should focus on issues/history/culture related to Seoul. We will have an individual meeting to discuss about your plans. More information will be given in class.