Korean Language Studies
The Korean Language Program at Princeton University currently offers four levels of language study: Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, and Contemporary Korean Language and Culture (fourth year). Although learning any Asian language requires significant commitment, most students find learning Korean highly enjoyable. Princeton's approach to Korean language study stresses intercultural communication skills that incorporate aspects of Korean culture while comparing it with cultures of other nations.
An advantage of learning Korean at Princeton is small conversation classes. With each conversation class limited to ten students, they have ample opportunity to use the language on a regular basis. As the semester progresses, students in the class develop a special sense of belonging to a community of learners who share the same goal of becoming proficient in the language.
For those who wish to continue to study Korean in Korea, the program in East Asian Studies may provide financial support for summer language study, upon completion of at least one year of language study at Princeton. There are also internship opportunities in Korea available through the Princeton in Asia program office, located on campus.
Korea has become one of the largest trading partners of the U.S. This means that various sectors of the society will have demand for someone with Korean expertise. Thus, Korean language qualifications are beginning to be attractive to prospective employers in business, law firms, governments, and schools. Be prepared early and grab your opportunity before it passes by!
Nomally students electing a beginner's course in any language will receive credit only if two terms are completed.
Current semester's courses:
KOR 101Elementary Korean IElementary Korean is designed for beginning students who intend to build a solid foundation for further study in Korean language. The course provides four balanced language skills - listening, speaking, reading, and writing - needed for basic communication. It emphasizes the ability to use Korean appropriately, and introduces students to useful information concerning culture and daily life in Korea.
KOR 105Intermediate Korean IThis course is designed for students who have learned the basics of the Korean language and who want to improve their competence to a higher level. Complex sentences and grammar will be covered while the basics are reviewed. Balancing four language skills -- listening, speaking, reading, and writing -- is emphasized.
KOR 301Advanced Korean IAdvanced Korean is designed to develop fluency in both oral and literary skills. Expansion of vocabulary, practice in reading comprehension, as well as active skills of conversation and writing will be stressed through class discussion and short readings. Readings include different styles of writings on Korean culture, history, society and literature. Video strips will be integrated into class procedures to stimulate discussions. 100 hanjas will be taught.
KOR 401Contemporary Korean Language and CultureThe fourth-year language course is designed to (1) to accelerate students' Korean proficiency to the high-advanced level and (2) to promote a deeper level of understanding of Korea and its people. A wide range of sociolinguistic and sociocultural issues (e.g., gender, dialects, honorifics, online languages) will be covered through the use of various media resources (e.g., dramas, films, songs, commercials, newspapers, internet) as well as short literary texts. Classroom discussion will be conducted in Korean.