Korean Language Studies
The Korean Language Program currently offers four levels of language study: Elementary (KOR101/102), Intermediate (KOR105/107), Advanced (301/302), and Contemporary Korean Language and Culture, 4th Year Korean, (KOR401/402). In Spring 2011, a new 5th Year Korean course (KOR407) will also be offered.
Completing two years of Korean (up to KOR107) satisfies the university foreign language requirement. Students who wish to place out of the language requirement need to take the Korean Placement Test, comprised of three sections: online test (vocabulary, grammar, reading), speaking, and writing. If you are confident that you can place out of KOR107 in order to fulfill the foreign language requirement at Princeton, you may take the test at the beginning of the fall semester or at other times by appointment.
Taking seven Korean language courses (up to KOR401) is required in order to obtain the Korean Language and Culture Certificate offered by the Department of East Asian Studies.
Please contact Dr. Joowon Suh (suh@princeton.edu) for any questions or further information.
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The Korean Language Table is held on Wednesday at 6:00 pm in Mathey College. (Contact: suh@princeton.edu).
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 the 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 103Intensive Korean IThe first part of Intensive Korean is designed for heritage students who have already had considerable amount of exposure to the Korean language and culture but have not received any formal instruction before their arriving at Princeton. It covers the 1st Year Korean material focusing on vocabulary building, grammar, reading and writing. The students who have successfully completed KOR 103 and KOR 108 will be placed in the 3rd or 4th Year Korean if they wish to continue.
KOR 105Intermediate Korean IIntermediate Korean is designed for students who have learned the basics of the Korean language and want to improve their competence to a higher level. Complex sentences and grammar are 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 are stressed through short readings and class discussion. Readings include different styles of writings on various topics including Korean culture, society, and history. 100 characters of Hanjas are introduced.
KOR 401Contemporary Korean Language and Culture IThe 4th-year language course is designed to accelerate students' proficiency to the high-advanced level and to promote a deeper level of understanding of Korea and its people. A wide range of sociolinguistic and sociocultural issues are covered through the use of various media resources (e.g., dramas, films, songs, commercials, newspapers, websites) as well as short essays. Classroom discussion are conducted in Korean.
KOR 405/EAS 405Readings in Modern Korean l(LA)The 5th-year Korean course is designed to advance students' reading and writing skills to the superior level and to promote a deeper understanding of the Korean language, culture, society, and history. Readings cover various types of authentic materials (e.g., newspaper articles, editorials, think pieces, essays, and literary short stories). Discussion and presentation skills in formal settings (e.g., academic, professional) are also emphasized. Class discussions are conducted in Korean.