New Perspectives on Korean History
Few people will disagree with the fact that Seoul National University is the best place in the world to study Korean history.
The course New Perspectives on Korean History (course number: 024.001) has been attended by more than 100 students each semester, and praised as the best English-taught Korean history class by students.
There is one required textbook, A New History of Korea, written by LEE Ki-baik, along with other various reading materials posted on-line.
Overall, this course introduces the almost 2000-year-long history of the Korean people from its very beginning to modern days. There is a"significant" amount of reading required as there are literally thousands of years to talk about, but Professor Hejtmanek mostly uses Powerpoint slides for his lectures in class.
Nevertheless, all the course materials, which even include ancient poems about a love affair, are a lot of fun and manageable as long as you do not let them pile up till the last minute. Besides assignments and several group projects, you are also required to choose between translating ancient Korean documents into English or visiting a historical place as an extra assignment.
The most interesting thing about this course is that it not only covers Korean history but also offers you a great chance to think about various ways of interpreting history.
In fact, as a foreign scholar, Professor Hejtmanek expresses his own different ideas not so limited by orthodox perspectives, and encourages his students to do the same through frequent in-class discussion.
This 3-credit undergraduate course is opened this semester Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 am-10:45 am in Building 83, and being taught by Professor Milan Hejtmanek.
If you have any further questions about this fun, inspiring course about Korean history, you may email Professor Hejtmanek (Korean_history@yahoo.com).
Introduction to Cinema
Watching movies is one of the most common hobbies. If you are one of those people who enjoys this favorite pastime and is ready to enter deeper into the fascinating world of films, Introduction to Cinema (course number: 003.072A 003) might be the course you do not want to miss this next time.
The course encourages students to come up with their own interpretations after watching various films, while at the same time introducing basic concepts, cinematic techniques, and the history of the movie industry.
In this course, there is a set of selected films that are required to be watched for students before each session. After watching the movie for class, students are expected to write and submit a half-page-long analysis of one scene from the movie.
Students who want to share their thoughts can give their own presentation in class, which will be taken into account in evaluation along with the weekly analysis assignments and final exam.
Furthermore, Introduction to Cinema is a great chance to get to know some of the most monumental masterpieces in film history, such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Citizen Kane. Also, the professor tries to explore how critical traditions like feminism and other ideologies have influenced films throughout its history, which helps the students to identify philosophical ideas occurring in today's movies.
This 2-credit, English-based course is being taught this semester by Professor MIN Hyunjun of SNU's Department of Aesthetics, from 9 am to 11 am every Tuesday and Thursday in Building 43.
If you want to know more about this course, you may contact the professor via email filmguy@snu.ac.kr.
Extraterrestrial Planets and Life
Have you ever speculated about the possibility of life on another planet? Can it be possible that we are not alone? If you are willing to dive into this eye-opening quest of exploring the universe and the origin of life, Extraterrestrial Planets and Life (course number: 028.005) offered by Professor Masateru Ishiguro is the course for you.
This course covers a wide range of topics from the evolution of the universe and planetary systems to the origin of life, but it is also open to non-science majors so no worries even if you have no background in science.
Extraterrestrial Planets and Life starts its journey by introducing basic physics to students and then moves on to the big bang theory, the formation of stars and planetary systems, and the search for habitable conditions and extraterrestrial intelligence among other subjects. It also includes a trip to Gwacheon planetarium in Gyeonggi-do.
In general, Extraterrestrial Planets and Life is a fun, straightforward course from which there is much to learn. However, as some students who took this course have pointed out, it is important to make sure you fully understand all the handouts and lectures of every class so that you will not suddenly find yourself lost and confused right before the exams.
Nevertheless, as long as you stay enthusiastic enough to ask questions and explore the universe in search of potential extraterrestrial life, this course is sure to be a very informative, engaging course. This semester it takes one mid-term and one final exam without any extra assignments.
For more information, you may email Professor Masateru (ishiguro@astro.snu.ac.kr).
Anglo-American Law
Are you interested in taking a law class? Although SNU Law School has already begun the process of replacing the SNU undergraduate law department, some law courses are still open to all SNU undergraduate students, one of which is Anglo-American Law.
This course includes mid-term and final exams without any extra assignments besides reading the required course packet materials before each class. The course mainly focuses on the American Constitution.
The thing you might want to consider before taking this course is that in-class participation is highly encouraged and appreciated. Professor Leitner has pointed out that, even if your English ability is not as perfect as other students, you should always feel free and be prepared to share your ideas anytime during class, since the course is about law, not about English. Though Professor Leitner is not teaching at SNU from this semester, class participation will surely be appreciated by any other professors.
Furthermore, students can discuss any questions and thoughts related to course materials on-line.
Also, Anglo-American Law is different from other law courses in that it tries to focus on broad legal theories and philosophies behind the Constitution instead of specific details such as codes. Thus, it is a law course that can be very beneficial even without any background knowledge in American law, which can help develop independent thinking.
If you want to find more about SNU's English-taught courses, please refer to the course catalogue here. http://snuhaksa.snu.ac.kr/ssg/Ssgindex.jsp?lang_cd=ENG
Written by LEE SuKyoung, SNU English Editor, sukyoung123n@gmail.com
Reviewed by Eli Park Sorensen, SNU Professor of Liberal Studies, eps7257@snu.ac.kr
Proofread by Brett Johnson, SNU English Editor, morningcalm2@gmail.com