Jaymin Kim

In the wake of twenty-first century Korean Wave became a global phenomenon overnight. Its popularity first started in Asian continent, notably in Japan, China, followed by Southeastern Asian countries, then South Asia, reaching Middle East and Europe, while reflecting the immigration route, it reached North America by a different route and medium. This course takes a close look at transnational journey of Korea Wave, identifying the mechanism and material conditions of transition from the Cold War fundamentalism to global capitalism. Exploring K-pop, K-drama, K-cinema, K-Webtoons, and K-beauty in close comparisons to concepts such as power, community, aesthetics, race, gender, and sexuality, the course invites students to critically examine the transnational phenomenon of Korean wave in Asia and beyond.

This course is designed to elevate the knowledge on Asia acquired by Asian Studies majors in their first two years of study to a higher level and to train them in executing their original research an producing a substantial research paper. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ASIA 495 if student has credit for ASIA 695. Repeatable for Credit.

For advanced independent research in a humanities subject. Student must arrange mentorship with a faculty member and seek permission from the Dean of Humanities office, then a section of this course can be opened for the fall, spring, or summer. Repeatable for Credit.