Korea in Performance: Global Culture and Soft Power

This course surveys the various ways in which South Korea has emerged as a leading nation in the creation of global culture since the late twentieth century. Exemplified by K-pop and K-drama, various cultural contents created in and promoted by Korea have circulated globally and have had a lasting impact on popular culture, new media, and the arts around the world. By using specific case studies in Seoul and its vicinities and by inviting guest speakers, the course introduces students to topics of globalization, interculturalism, neocolonialism, neoliberalism, transnationalism, and tourism.