New fall 2010 course: HIST 195

ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW COURSE FOR FALL 2010:
History 195. "Dramatizations of Korean History"

Professor Kyung Moon Hwang
W 2:00-4:50pm
khwang@usc.edu

This course will consider the relationship between popular depictions of Korean history and issues of national identity, gender relations, foreign influence, and modernity. Korean history presents a special opportunity for such an inquiry because of South Korea’s very sophisticated popular culture industry and this industry’s favorable attention--in reflecting, one surmises, popular demand--to the re-imagining of historical figures, events, and settings.

Through a focused examination of recently produced television dramas, feature films, and historical novels (all in translation or with English subtitles), we will ask, How do dramatizations of Korean history portray important moments and themes of the past and, furthermore, seek to shape current understanding and perception?

Regular assignments include viewings out of class, active participation in class discussion, and short essays. Two larger multi-media research projects, one done alone and another done in partnership, will also be required. This promises to be a thought-provoking and fun exercise in the practice of historiography.

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