Educational Goals

• Politics concerns social phenomena that center on national communities and the exercise of power. Specifically, the program gives special attention to regulatory authorities that were influential in determining the fates of individuals and groups in Korea. To understand various political phenomena, researchers will be exposed to different methodologies and theories to interpret Korean society. However, Korean political studies should not only rely on theories developed in the West but also explain Korean phenomena by developing theories applicable to Korea. Therefore, researchers will be encouraged to produce alternative theories and visions to understand the political challenges facing the Korean people. While sharing the methodologies and questions of political science in general, the focal point of the program is to understand political science in Korea as an essential part of the Korean Studies.

Educational Focus

• The program aims to provide students with three analytical tools: methodology, theory, and linguistic competency.
• Methodologies enable students to analyse Korean politics systematically.
• Theories allow students to interpret Korean politics and how it relates to global trends.
• Linguistic competency facilitates a better understanding of premodern Korean politics.
• Through the program, students will be able to present rational alternatives to the issues of Korean politics such as unification, political and economic development, international relations, and Korean nationalism.
• Furthermore, the program promotes interdisciplinary research for the advancement of Korean Studies.
• Lastly, by associating the seminars with the research topics of the researchers, the relevancy between education and research will be reinforced.