Transnationalism in Korea

Course Description

Exploration of transnationalism through on-site learning in South Korea. How did K-pop (e.g. BTS) go global? Why are Korean films (e.g. Parasite) and dramas (e.g. Squid Game) achieving global success? Why are so many Americans invested in K-beauty products? How is North Korea’s nuclear ambition intertwined with

international politics? And how do North Korean refugees sustain relations with family across the highly militarized DMZ? To explore these questions, and to investigate how culture goes beyond and across
boundaries of nation-states, and students will learn from visits to key cultural sites, museums, the DMZ, a K-pop entertainment company, a food market, and more. There will also be the unique opportunity to meet and develop friendships with North Korean refugees. Students will write daily fieldnotes and the seminar will conclude with final presentations. As the central hub of global cultural production, South Korea is a prime location to explore the movement of people, goods, and ideas across borders.

learning objectives

• Students will learn about Korea's importance to global politics and economy; the history of the Korean conflict situated within imperialism, the Cold War, and authoritarianism; and the production of cultural forms in relation to Korea's global aspirations.
• Students will learn to engage in thoughtful dialogue and active engagement with North Korean
  refugees and develop intercultural communication skills.
• Students will gain exposure to non-governmental work in Asia and learn professionalism in their
  interaction with interlocutors.
• Students will develop critical thinking and analysis of current issues and debates related to
  transnationalism and globalization on the Korean peninsula.

Tentative Itinerary*

May 18 - 19 - Travel day

May 20 - Arrive in Seoul

May 21 - Seminar, independent exploration, group meeting

May 22 - Guest lecture, independent exploration, film screening

May 23 - National Palace, seminar, film screening

May 24 - DMZ

May 25 - Church visit, cultural activity, film screening

May 26 - War Memorial & the National Museum, seminar 

May 27 - Gang-hwa Island

May 28 - Seminar, independent exploration, group meeting

May 29 - Independent exploration, guest lecture

May 30 - K-Pop Entertainment Company, sporting event

May 31 - COEX, Lotte World

June 1 - Church visit, cultural activity

June 2 - Student presentations

June 3 - Travel day

*final itinerary is subject to change based on availability and travel schedule

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Dates: May 18/19 - June 3, 2025 (inclusive of travel)

Co-requisite: Students are required to take AN-2xx: Transnational Korea for spring 2025. If approved for the travel seminar, OCSE will enroll you in both the on-campus course and the travel seminar. 

Credits: 3 credits (1 credits for AN-2xx and 2 credits for TX-200B).

Program Fee: The anticipated fee is between $6,400 - $6,800 (depending on enrollment). The program fee includes Skidmore tuition, round-trip airfare between New York City/Newark and Seoul, South Korea; ground and air transportation for program excursions; on-site accommodations in shared rooms; some group meals and a meal stipend; international medical insurance; entrance and activity fees; local resource faculty and Skidmore faculty. Financial aid is available for eligible students. 

Meals and Accommodation: The program fee includes shared accommodations in either a hotel or apartment. Some group meals will be provided and students will receive a meal stipend. More specific information about meals and housing will be communicated to students upon acceptance. 

Flights: Roundtrip airfare from New York City or Seoul, South Korea is included in the program fee. Exact flights will be booked once enrollment is confirmed. Students are responsible for getting themselves to/from the airport at the start and end of the program. 

Application Process: The deadline for applications is October 15, 2024. Students are required to apply for Travel Seminars through the MyOCSE portal.  Applications will be reviewed and students will be notified of acceptances before spring 2025 course registration. 

QUESTIONS?

Stop by the OCSE office (Starbuck 202) or contact Professor Joowon Park (Anthropology & Asian Studies), directly.