2019 Summer Study Abroad Program
June 23 – July 6, 2019
Dates & program details are subjected to change as program finalizes in May 2019
What is the political, cultural and economic meaning of the 38th parallel to Koreans living in the South and the North? How did it become such an impenetrable border when it was intended to be a temporary line back in 1945? How did the border affect Koreans before and after the Korean War? How did this division affect economic growth and how is the economic situation different in both countries? How do they differ in their culture? If reunification were to occur, do you think it would be possible for North Koreans to successfully integrate to the South Korean society?
The aim of the summer study abroad program is to invite students interested in studying Korea to visit various professional sites in South Korea. We will use the border as a lens into exploring four main themes: Korean identities, division, reunification, and economic difference between the two Koreas through readings, discussions, on-site lectures, and site visits. The program participants will trace the transnational processes of modernization, imperialism, colonization, the Cold War, decolonization, and neoliberalism that have shaped and continue to shape Korean identity and culture.
