Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- 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 explore the portrayal of various issues in Korean society, such as different thoughts on reunification of the Korean peninsula, social inequality, and gender issues, on different platforms of media. By adopting discourses from social media, news articles, literature, film and TV shows, the students will have opportunities to understand contemporary Korea in diverse contexts and gain the ability to interpret multi-modal texts. This course will also facilitate students’ understanding of contemporary Korea in the way South Korea has established social values and ideals in the present shape.
Thisﾠcourse covers a broad range of issues discussed in the contemporary Korean society. By closely examining media contents and related online discourses, students are expected to explore the ways in which the media in variuos formsﾠportrays the society and culture both regionally and globally and to develop their understanding of the contemporary Korea. The course is structured around several thematic topics including changes in the Korean familism, socio-economic inequality, Korean food culture, multiculturalism and the Korea war.ﾠ ﾠ ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
The course is delivered in English, and no linguistic background of Korean is expected. Students that have taken LTCS2023 (Korean Popular Culture) may find this course helpful to deepen their understanding of the Korean culture and society and to discover research materials for further study in the Discipline.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
LTCS2023
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MSTU3001
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
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 aims to facilitate students’ understanding of contemporary Korea and its pressing social concerns through media in a variety of forms. Students will have an opportunity to learn how South Korea has established the social values and ideals in the present shape. They will also gain the ability to interpret multi-modal discourses and communicate meaning in a range of formats by examining ongoing discourses about diverse current affairs and their historical and cultural context.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Develop a broad understanding of contemporary Korean society through the social, cultural and political issues represented in contemporary films.
LO2.
Identify relevant sources and use them in developing original interpretation of the topic.
LO3.
Critically analyse multi-modal resources in the social and historical contexts
LO4.
Understand how South Korean media have served as a cultural medium to reflect ideologies in society and apply their knowledge in the critical review in the forms of writing and speaking.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Weekly Reflection
|
30% (10 x 3%) |
Week 3, Wed 5:00 pm Week 4, Wed 5:00 pm Week 5, Wed 5:00 pm Week 6, Wed 5:00 pm Week 7, Wed 5:00 pm Week 8, Wed 5:00 pm Week 9, Wed 5:00 pm Week 10, Wed 5:00 pm Week 11, Wed 5:00 pm Week 12, Wed 5:00 pm
Each week's reflection will be due at 5 pm Wednesday (the day before Thursday class) between Weeks 3 and Weeks 12. |
| Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation |
Critical Review Presentation
|
20% |
Wednesday in the week of student's presentation. |
| Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Discussion Participation
|
10% |
Discussion reports are due on Mondays in the following week of their discussion participation. |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
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 Reflection
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 30% (10 x 3%)
- Due date
Week 3, Wed 5:00 pm
Week 4, Wed 5:00 pm
Week 5, Wed 5:00 pm
Week 6, Wed 5:00 pm
Week 7, Wed 5:00 pm
Week 8, Wed 5:00 pm
Week 9, Wed 5:00 pm
Week 10, Wed 5:00 pm
Week 11, Wed 5:00 pm
Week 12, Wed 5:00 pm
Each week's reflection will be due at 5 pm Wednesday (the day before Thursday class) between Weeks 3 and Weeks 12.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students are expected to study each week's topic by attending the Monday lecture, reading from the course reading list and writing a reflection before coming to Thursday class in which class discussion will be made based on the students' reflections. In the Weekly Reflection, a media content or an online discourse surrounding the content needs to be reviewed.
Students should insert a link to the resource or add a copy of the resource on the course Padlet and write a 150-word reflection about the resource. The reflection must (1) summarise what the resource is about, and (2) explain how it is relevant to the topic. Students may extend their reflection to the application of such topic in their culture; e.g. 'this may be compared to that of my culture, because...'.
The link to the course Padlet will be provided in the course's Blackboard. Each week's reflection will be due at 5 pm Wednesday, the day before Thursday class every week between Week 3 and Week 12.
Weekly Reflection does not require students to read further references but asks students to explore various discourses in media around given topics and critically think about different approaches and interpretations made onto the same topic.
Any assignment found copied from sources on the internet or other students' work will receive 0 point and be referred to the Integrity Officer.
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
Submissions should be made through the course Padlet for each week's topic.
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.
Maximum extension length allows assessors to give timely feedback before subsequent tasks are due.
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.
Critical Review Presentation
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Wednesday in the week of student's presentation.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students will conduct a critical review of a topic chosen among those covered in the course. In Week 1, a sign-up sheet for choosing a week for their presentation will be shared on Blackboard.
The critical review comprises:
(1) three resources (media content or related discourses) in different forms that discuss the chosen topic, e.g. news articles, YouTube clips (and/or the comments), blog posts, academic journal articles, books, films, TV shows, twitter mentions, podcast clips, etc., including a resource designated by the instructor,
(2) reflections of the three resources in 150+ words each (450+ words in total), and
(3) oral presentation of their critical review of the topic using the three media/discourses in 10 - 15 minutes.
The critical review may develop from the topic's historical/social context and experts' critiques on the topic to comparison to media discourses in other culture or society. It should have at least two references from the course's reading list in addition to the three resources chosen for review presentation. The presentation may include video or audio playing where necessary for discussion (excluded from the presentation time). Presenters are asked to take the initiative to lead a class discussion and respond appropriately to questions from the class.
The links to or copies of the three resources and their reflections must be submitted to the course's Padlet as their usual Weekly Review. The critical review should have a reference list including the two references from the course's reading list and the three media resources. The oral presentation needs to be summarised in 800 words (+/- 10%; excluding reference list) and submitted through Turnitin by 5 pm Wednesday in the week of their presentation.
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.
Plagiarism is unacceptable. Oral presentations that are suspected to be the product of plagiarism in any part will be referred to the School of Languages and Cultures Integrity Officer.
Submission guidelines
Presentation summary needs to be submitted via Turnitin.
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.
Due to the course structure of weekly topics and student presentations, extensions for the presentation are limited to a maximum of one week. This maintains the course flow and ensures timely peer learning.
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.
Discussion Participation
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Discussion reports are due on Mondays in the following week of their discussion participation.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students will be asked to participate in in-class discussions for two topics they choose. After the week's critical review presentations are finished, the 'discussant' students should (1) share their studied resources, which they submitted as Weekly Reflection, (2) add comments to the week's presentation(s), and (3) ask a relevant and intriguing question to each presenter. For the two weeks chosen for discussion participation, the discussant students will be marked on their in-class discussion participation as well as on a report to be submitted through Turnitin by Monday in the following week of their discussion participation. The report needs to be in 300+ words and as simple as to recap what was presented by the presenter and discussed by the discussants themselves.
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
Discussion reports should be submitted through Turnitin.
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.
Due to the course structure of weekly topics and student presentations, extensions for the discussion are limited to a maximum of one week. This maintains the course flow and ensures timely peer learning.
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.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
There will be two sections in the final examination:
- For the first section, there will be four short-essay questions (5 points each). The answers should be in approximately 100 words. The questions will ask to write definition/meaning/implications of certain concepts or phenomena discussed in the course. Examples of possible questions will be shared in class.
- For the second section, students will be asked to choose one question from a list of several questions and write a 800-word (+/-10%) essay (20 points). There will be excerpts of readings or contents from media relevant to the given topics and discussed in class. Students will need to use the readings or media contents for their discussion of the topic and appropriately cite them in text.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
All students must take the final exam in order to pass the course, regardless of the marks accrued prior. If you fail to take the exam and do not have an approved deferred exam, you automatically receive a maximum grade of 3.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 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.
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 demonstrates 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 assessment makes an adequate response to the questions asked (thought 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: Written 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 assessment 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.
Additional assessment information
All assignments submitted should be the work of the student and the student alone. This means that students are NOT to seek outside help (from other students, teachers, private tutors,ﾠetc) in preparing assignments. If students are having difficulties in completing their assignments, they should see their lecturerﾠduring consultation hours or by appointment.ﾠStudents suspected of having received outside help will be referred to the School of Languages and CulturesﾠIntegrity Officer.
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
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| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
General contact hours |
Introduction to course Overview of the course; Screening of "Ode to my father"; Discussion on the familism and modern history of South Korea; Critical review of social media discourse on the topic Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 3 |
General contact hours |
Familism in "Ode to My Father" and "Mother" Discussion on familism; Social discourse about 'mother' and 'father' in Korean literature, TV drama and film; Critical review of social media discourse on the topic Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 4 |
General contact hours |
Multiculturalism in "Itaewon Class" and "Punch" Discussion on the multiculturalism in Korea and outside Korea; "Itaewon Class", "Minari", "Punch" and "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" in the context of multiculturalism; Critical review of social media discourse on the topic Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 6 |
General contact hours |
Social inequality in "Parasite" and "Squid Game" Discussion on social inequality in contemporary Korea; The young Koreans' life in "Parasite", "Squid Game" and "The Glory"; Critical review of social media discourse on the topic Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 7 |
General contact hours |
Food and culture in "Crying in H Mart" Discussion on Korean food being part of the Korean Wave as well as a popular theme in Korean media; Koreans identified by Korean food in "Crying in H Mart", "Youn's Kitchen" and Chef Paik's shows ; Critical review of social media discourse on the topic Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
General contact hours |
Individual and society in "Train to Busan" Discussion on the political understanding of the contemporary Korean society; Individuals fighting for the society in "Train to Busan" and "All of Us Are Dead"; Critical review of social media discourse on the topic * Mid-semester break between 25 September and 1 October, 2023. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 10 |
General contact hours |
Life in "Along with the Gods" Discussion on cultural, philosophical and religious perspectives about life in the contemporary Korean culture; Common thoughts of Koreans about life reflected in "Along with the Gods", "The Goblin", "Oh My Ghost" and talk shows in the 'fortunetelling and counselling' format; Critical review of social media discourse on the topic * Monday 2 October is a public holiday. There will be a make-up class for the holiday, and the time and room information will be informed one week before the holiday. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 12 |
General contact hours |
War in "JSA" and "Crash Landing on You" Discussion on the history of the Korean War; Perspectives agreed and disagreed on the Korean War and reunification in "Welcome to Dongmakgol", "JSA" and "Crash Landing on You"; Critical review of social media discourse on the topic Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 13 |
General contact hours |
Review on the course Learning outcomes: L02, 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.