Korean Language Program Outline

Introductory Korean A and B (UN1001 and UN1002)
These courses introduce students to Hangul, the Korean writing system, the fundamental grammatical structures of the Korean language, and essential aspects of Korean culture. This one-year two-course sequence is equivalent to First Year Korean I.

First Year Korean I and II (UN1101 and UN1102)
In these courses, students build on their knowledge of Hangul and foundational vocabulary and grammar to develop the ability to function in real-world contexts through the integrated use of interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills.

Second Year Korean I and II (UN2201 and UN2202)
Building on the foundation established in the First-Year Korean sequence, students develop intermediate-level Korean proficiency that enables them to interpret, negotiate, and express meaning on a range of everyday and personally relevant topics.

Accelerated Korean I and II (UN2221 and UN2222)
Designed specifically for Korean heritage learners, these courses enable students to complete the equivalent of the first two years of Korean language study within one year. In addition to advancing linguistic proficiency, the curriculum promotes a deeper understanding of students’ Korean heritage and cultivates the intercultural competence needed to engage meaningfully and confidently with Korean-speaking communities.

Third Year Korean I and II (UN3005 and UN3006)
These courses are designed to help students attain advanced levels of Korean proficiency. Students develop the ability to communicate in formal settings and across a variety of genres while deepening their understanding of the cultural perspectives, values, and sociocultural norms embedded in Korean language use.

Fourth Year Korean I and II (GU4105 and GU4106)
These courses are designed to help students attain Advanced High proficiency in Korean. Students develop the ability to understand contemporary Korean history, engage with current political and economic issues, and articulate informed perspectives on public affairs. Through critical engagement with Korean media, they develop critical digital literacy and a deeper understanding of the relationship between language, media, and society.

Business Korean I and II (GU4107 and GU4108)
These courses are intended for students interested in pursuing careers in Korean-related businesses and organizations or in deepening their understanding of Korean society through the lens of Korea’s economy. Through engagement with diverse authentic multimodal materials, students develop an understanding of Korean business culture and workplace practices while strengthening their professional communication skills in Korean. Prerequisite: Third-Year Korean II or equivalent Korean language proficiency as determined by a placement test.

Fifth Year Korean I and II (GU4511 and GU4512)
In these courses, students read and discuss literary works in the original Korean to develop Superior-level proficiency and deepen their understanding of Korean culture, society, and history. Through close analysis of literary texts, they learn to interpret complex symbolic and nuanced meanings, engage with diverse cultural perspectives, and communicate sophisticated abstract ideas with clarity and precision. These courses are required for Ph.D. students in Korean Studies.

Advanced Korean in Mixed Script (GR8010)
Offered every other year (fall semester only), this course is designed to provide M.A. and Ph.D. students in Korean Studies with the skills necessary to read advanced Korean texts written in mixed script. Focusing on materials from the late nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century, the course develops students’ ability to analyze historical texts and engage with primary sources in Korean. This course is required for Ph.D. students in Korean Studies.