Korean Popular Culture in Global Context

4 credits · Undergraduate

This course offers a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of South Korean popular culture, widely known as the "Korean Wave" or Hallyu. Students will explore the historical development, global circulation, and socio-political implications of South Korea's cultural industries. While the course emphasizes contemporary phenomena—ranging from K-Pop and K-Dramas to cinema, webtoons, and e-sports—it is grounded in Korea's modern history and cultural developments. We will examine how the nation’s rapid industrialization, democratization, and digital technological advances have shaped its cultural output.