Courses
Korean I
Beginning Korean I is the first course in a two-semester Beginning Korean sequence, designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of Korean. The course introduces Hangul (the Korean writing system), fundamental pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, equipping students for basic communication in everyday situations. Additionally, the course explores foundational cultural practices, fostering cross-cultural awareness and respectful interaction in diverse social contexts.
Korean II
Beginning Korean II is the second course in a two-semester Beginning Korean sequence, designed for students who have completed Beginning Korean I (ASIAN 160) or possess equivalent proficiency. The course expands vocabulary and grammar while strengthening discourse skills, enabling students to communicate more fluently on various personal topics in diverse social settings. Students engage in extended conversations, comprehend short narrative and descriptive texts, and write simple, connected paragraphs about personal experiences. The course builds on foundational cultural knowledge by further exploring Korean culture and social norms, fostering a deeper understanding of intercultural communication.
Prerequisites: ASIAN 160 or equivalent. Students with equivalent backgrounds should contact the instructor (kspark@mtholyoke.edu) for permission.
Intermediate Korean I
Intermediate Korean I is the first course in a two-semester Intermediate Korean sequence, designed for students who have completed Beginning Korean II (ASIAN 161) or possess equivalent proficiency. This course enhances students’ ability to communicate more fluently and accurately on a broader range of personal and societal topics. Students engage in extended conversations, produce connected speech and text, and interpret written and spoken materials with sensitivity to politeness levels and formality. The course also examines Korean culture, traditions, and values through critical analysis and comparative perspectives, fostering intercultural competence. Cultural components are integrated throughout, and students participate in hands-on workshops to experience Korean cultural practices.
Prerequisites: ASIAN 161 or equivalent proficiency. Students with equivalent backgrounds should contact the instructor (kspark@mtholyoke.edu) for permission.
Intermediate Korean II
Intermediate Korean II is the second course in a two-semester Intermediate Korean sequence, designed for students who have completed Intermediate Korean I (ASIAN 262) or possess equivalent proficiency. This course enhances communicative competence, enabling students to express themselves with greater fluency, accuracy, and confidence in both informal and formal settings while engaging with a broader range of personal, academic, and societal topics. Through project-based learning, students analyze and discuss societal and global issues aligned with their interests while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Instruction includes interactive lectures, discussions, student presentations, projects, and group activities. Students also participate in hands-on workshops to engage with Korean cultural practices. As part of the Korean language sequence, this course prepares students for advanced coursework, study abroad, and the East Asian Studies major or the Asian Studies (Korean Language) minor.
Prerequisites: ASIAN 262 or equivalent. Students with equivalent backgrounds should contact the instructor (kspark@mtholyoke.edu) for permission.
