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GLBL 3581 6.0 - South Korea: The Politics of Youth and Old Age

GLBL 3581 6.0 - South Korea: The Politics of Youth and Old Age

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GLBL 3581 6.0 - South Korea: The Politics of Youth and Old Age

This course studies the politics of contemporary South Korea with a focus on the political debates and cultural shifts - including intergenerational conflicts - that arise from a rapid industrialization and aging population. 

In the first week of the course, taking place at York University’s Keele campus, students will learn about the history and politics of modern Korea, from the start of the 20th century to the present. Following this week of intensive learning, students will travel to Seoul, the capital of South Korea and the home of half the nation's population. In Seoul, learning is composed primarily of guided experiential opportunities, including visits to museums, universities, and cultural and historical sites including palaces and temples. 

Field visits include the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, the Seoul Museum of History, the National Museum of Korea, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, and the War Memorial of Korea. The site visits will be preceded or followed by a short lecture to relate the visit to the course material. There will also be a full-day guided tour to the DMZ (the border between North and South Korea) that is located 75 kilometers north of Seoul. 

Students will spend time at Yonsei University and Chung-Ang University in Seoul to attend lectures on Korean history, politics and social policy with Korean students. The visits to universities, and potentially also to high schools, will allow students to gain a first-hand appreciation of the current political dynamics of Korea, as well as the lives of young people in the country. 

Site Visits and Excursions

  • National Museum of Korea
  • Bukchon (Hanok Village)
  • DMZ Tour
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • Korean Folk Village
  • And more!

Important Note: All students travelling to South Korea must obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before departing for Seoul.

Course Details


Location

Seoul, South Korea

Course Director

Prof. Thomas Klassen, School of Public Policy and Administration (tklassen@yorku.ca).


Course Dates

May 8-12, 2023, at York University; May 15-June 2, 2023 in Seoul.

Pre-requisites

This course is not open to students who have completed fewer than 60 credits.

Maximum Enrolment

16 students


Program Fee

The program fee for this course is $1,900 CAD, based on 16 students (subject to change based on final number of students).

Included in Program Fee

  • 18 nights’ accommodation in shared hotel room (2 students/room) at the Ever8 Hotel - each room contains an en-suite washroom, kitchenette with cookware/tableware, washing machine, television, closet, and desk
  • Excursions and site visits
  • Seminars with students from partner universities Yonsei University and Chung-Ang University
  • Welcome and farewell group dinners
  • Professor-related costs and incidentals.

Not Included in Program Fee

  • Return flights Toronto-Seoul (approx. $1500 CAD)
  • Tuition payable to York University
  • Guard.Me Travel Insurance
  • Food and spending money
  • Transit pass
  • Cost of Visa if one is required for your country of citizenship.

This course was an opportunity to experience Korean culture, history, and politics firsthand. We learned a lot through our field trips and by exploring Seoul together. It was a great educational adventure that we will never forget.

— Fanny Fazekas

The best part of this course was meeting and bonding with Korean university students. By interacting with Korean students, not only was I able to learn about life in Korea, but also share my life in Canada.

— Andy Jeong

Learn More

For more information, students can connect with LA&PS Study Abroad Coordinator (studyabr@yorku.ca).

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