Lecturer
Miss Hae Hong
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of Korean popular culture through exploration of entertainment media from the post-Korean War era to present day. Through analysis of K-pop, television dramas, variety shows and films, students will examine how these cultural forms reflect and influence modern Korean society. Students will develop their critical and analytical skills through regular reflective practice and engagement with broader discussions about the future trajectory of Korean popular culture.
The Summer Semester external course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
This course explores Korean popular culture, with a focus on the phenomenon of Korean Wave or Hallyu,ﾠwhich can include topics from music, film, fashion, youth culture, food, leisure activities to national figures. This course is designed to engage students with a variety of popular Korean culturalﾠtopics through a range of in-class activities, largely through the media which made hallyuﾠpopular, that is the music, TV dramas andﾠmovies. The class will also discuss the factors that led to the phenomenon of hallyuﾠand its global impact.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
LTSC1004
Restrictions
The Summer Semester external course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Course contact
Course staff
Course coordinator
Miss Hae Hong
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Friday 18 April is a public holiday. There will be a make-up class for the class. The date and time of the make-up class will be confirmed in the prior week.ﾠ
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice.
Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable.
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need
help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ
student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here.
Aims and outcomes
This course explores the dynamic growth of Korean popular culture and its social ground in contemporary South Korea. Through this course, students will be equipped with the insight and knowledge to understand the current Korean popular culture portrayed in Korean music, films, TV dramas and the youth culture in other forms. Students will have opportunities to discuss the values emphasised and developed in the culture and the images of Korean culture generated by the social emphasis on certain values.
Korean popular culture, known as the ‘Korean Wave’ or Hallyu as in other popular cultures, consists of movies, TV shows, music, entertainers, musicians, sports, news, cosmetics, fashion and cuisine. In Korea’s case, its popular culture is spread by TV shows, movies and music. Since the late 1990s Korean popular culture has become a global phenomenon. The ‘Korean Wave’ generates significant revenue and cultural pride in South Korea. Korean language skills, or enrolment in Korean classes, are not pre-requisites for this course.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Establish a good understanding of Korean popular culture in relation to the socio-economic and historical background
LO2.
Critically think and discuss contemporary issues in Korean popular culture, such as education fever, depression, economic disparity, feminism and multiculturalism
LO3.
Expand knowledge on the origin and driving force of the Korean Wave
LO4.
Discuss the global impact of the Korean Wave and anticipate the future direction of Korean popular culture
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection |
Weekly summary and reflection
|
30% (10 submissions x 3%) |
WEEK 3 - 14/03/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 4 - 21/03/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 5 - 28/03/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 6 - 4/04/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 7 - 11/04/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 9 - 2/05/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 10 - 9/05/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 11 - 16/05/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 12 - 23/05/2025 5:00 pm WEEK 13 - 30/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Examination, Quiz |
In-Semester Exam
|
30% |
9/04/2025 - 11/04/2025
The In-Semester Exam is held in person during regular class hours in Week 7. |
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Final Essay
|
40% |
10/06/2025 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Exam Week 1. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Weekly summary and reflection
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 30% (10 submissions x 3%)
- Due date
WEEK 3 - 14/03/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 4 - 21/03/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 5 - 28/03/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 6 - 4/04/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 7 - 11/04/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 9 - 2/05/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 10 - 9/05/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 11 - 16/05/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 12 - 23/05/2025 5:00 pm
WEEK 13 - 30/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
This regular assessment helps students review and deepen their understanding of each week's lecture and class discussion. For each weekly entry, students will write a minimum of 400 words consisting of two parts. The first part requires students to summarise the week's learning in their own words, using 200 words or more. In the second part, also 200 words or more, students will present their own thoughts and critical review of the week's topic and discussion. When writing their critical review, students should incorporate points raised during class discussion, respond to questions or issues that emerged in class, and expand on these with their own analysis and perspectives. This exercise encourages students to engage actively with course content through personal reflection and thoughtful consideration of class discussions. No references are required for this assessment.
The assessment starts in Week 3 and ends in Week 13 (10 submissions in total; no reflection due in Week 8, because of Week 7 in-class, In-Semester Exam). Each submission is due on Friday in the following week's class; e.g. Reflection of Week 6 is due on Friday in Week 7 at 5 pm.
Reflections will be marked based on the accuracy, relevance and originality of the summary and review. Any assignment found copied from sources on the internet or other students' work will receive 0 point and be referred to the School's Integrity Officer.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This assessment is designed to foster reflective engagement with each lesson's topics and class discussions, supporting students in consolidating their understanding progressively throughout the course. The maximum extension allowed for the submission of weekly reflections is 7 days. This timeframe allows assessors to provide timely feedback before subsequent tasks are due, ensuring students remain on track with their learning progression.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
9/04/2025 - 11/04/2025
The In-Semester Exam is held in person during regular class hours in Week 7.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The In-Semester Exam is held in person during Week 7 in your regular classroom and scheduled class time.
The exam allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the course content. This is a closed-book, paper-based exam, so no materials of any kind are permitted, including but not limited to notes, textbooks and electronic devices.
The In-Semester Exam consists of two sections.
Section 1 (10% of course grade) contains:
- Ten multiple-choice questions worth 0.5 points each
- Five short-answer questions worth 1 point each
Section 2 (20% of course grade) contains:
- Four short-essay questions worth 5 points each
- Each answer should be approximately 150 words
- Questions will assess your understanding of key course concepts, their definitions, meanings and implications
- Practice questions will be reviewed in class prior to the exam
Note: The In-Semester Exam is a hurdle requirement. Students must attempt this exam to pass the course. Failure to sit the exam will result in a maximum final grade of 3 for the course, regardless of performance in other assessments.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
The In-Semester Exam is a hurdle requirement. Students must attempt this exam to pass the course. Failure to sit the exam will result in a maximum final grade of 3 for the course, regardless of performance in other assessments.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Final Essay
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
10/06/2025 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Exam Week 1.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04
Task description
For the Final Essay writing, students will be asked to choose one question from a list of several and write a 1,500-word (+/-10%) essay. Possible topics for the essay will be discussed in class, and the Final Essay topics will be released in Week 13 on Blackboard. Students should submit their essay via Turnitin by the due date. The Essay needs to include lecture materials and class discussion summaries.
In developing your argument, you must incorporate material from course lectures and class discussions, demonstrating your engagement with the course content. Students should ensure they support their analysis with appropriate references to course readings, lecture content and insights from class discussions. Three or more references from the course reading list need to be cited in the essay. Clear citations of all sources using the APA referencing style are essential.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submissions will incur a 10% penalty per 24-hour period from the deadline (5 pm, 10 June 2025).
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Written assessment ﾠdemonstrates a complete inability to comprehend and/or analyse the course content. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Written assessment demonstrates a very significant inability to comprehend and/or analyse the course content. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Written assessment demonstrates a significant inability to comprehend and/or analyse the course content. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Written ﾠassessment makes an adequate response to the questions asked (though not always relevant, coherent and/or concise), and maintains an acceptable standard of academic writing. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Written assessment is adequate on most criteria, but distinguished by a high standard on at least one criterion. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Writtenﾠ assessment fulfils all but one of the criteria for Grade 7. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Written ﾠassessment is consistently relevant to the questions asked, consistently coherent, consistently concise, shows evidence of independent thought, and maintains a high standard of academic writing. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Introduction: What is Korean Wave? Introduction to the course: What is the Korean Wave?; The influence of Korean popular culture around the globe. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Tutorial |
K-pop and Korean Wave The beginning and development of K-pop; Global impact and socio-economic effects of K-pop Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
What is behind the growth of K-pop The cultural and social issues that rise along with the growth of K-pop Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Tutorial |
'Parasite' and Korean cinema Korean film's growing recognision around the world Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Is BTS popular in Korea as much as overseas? Recognition of Korean wave in Korea; The origins of popular culture consumption in Korea Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Eating Hansik, wearing Hanbok, living in Hanok Learn the 'objective culture of Korea, such as food, fashion, housing, language and how it has formed Korean culture today and its influence in the progression of Hallyu. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
In-Semester Exam Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Korean drama in the world, from 'Jewel in the Palace' to 'Squid Game' History of Korean drama and its reception around the globe Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Social realism in Korean TV dramas Common plots, contexts and characters found in Korean dramas; Korean society in the TV dramas Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Tutorial |
Real life on screen: The evolution of Korean reality shows Korean entertainment shows as one of the top Hallyu attractions Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Tutorial |
'Meokbang': Eat like Korean What is Meokbang? The collaboration of YouTube and Korean food culture Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Tutorial |
Korean popular culture in new forms New generation, new culture and new media; Multicultural and inter-generational discourse on social media Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Tutorial |
Heart & soul of Korean Wave: How Han, Jeong and Nunchi shape global entertainment The Korean values as a driving force for Hallyu Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.