This course will serve as a broad survey of the major themes and developments in the history of religion in Korea. It begins with traces of religious life from the Neolithic period and ends with the rise of new religious movements in contemporary Korea. Rather than focus on dates, names, and facts, this course will pay closer attention to the ways in which we use such categories of analysis as magic, ritual, syncretism, gender, family, class, economy, colonialism, globalization, and the state to study Korean religions. Students will be asked to explore these and other topics by applying context-sensitive reading and critical analysis of the material. There are no prerequisites, but some background in the history and culture of Korea would be helpful. Readings will include both primary material in translation and secondary scholarship.

Course Requirements:

2 quizzes (map quiz, multiple choice, fill in the blanks), 2 response papers (1200-1500 words each (30%), reading journal (10%), participation (10%), and final exam (20%), like the quizes but longer.

Intended Audience:

Undergrads in all fields and especially those who intend to continue to take courses in Korean Studies or Asian Studies

Class Format:

3 hours per week consisting of two lectures and short in-class discussion