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 102Elementary Korean IIA continuation of KOR 101. Continued develoment of proficiency in basic communication. Students who complete KOR 102 with excellence may be recommended for KOR 301.
KOR 107Intermediate Korean IIA continuation of KOR 105. Continued development of four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in Korean. Complex grammatical structures and irregularities will be taught while the basics are reviewed. Idiomatic expressions will be introduced; journals will be kept for writing practice.
KOR 302Advanced Korean IIA continuation of KOR 301. Continued development of proficiency in speaking and reading through class discussion and short readings. Vocabulary learning and discourse skills are emphasized.
KOR 402Contemporary Korean Language and Culture(LA)Reading and discussion of Korean thoughts and issues in contemporary Korea. Readings drawn from a variety of cultural and historical topics. Class discussions will be conducted in Korean.