What is a spectacular history? Why do some events capture our imagination and end up on the front page of newspapers? Why are some events more important in narrating history than others? This course introduces students to the history of modern and contemporary Korea through events. Together, we will investigate the processes through which events that took place in twentieth-century Korea were rendered spectacular and consumed in the form of images and texts. Among other things, we will examine the tumultuous processes of Korea’s modernization, colonialism, wars, nation building, dissident movements, and the cold war, divisions. For each topic, we will choose an event, and take a close look at how it took place (history) and how it was represented in texts and visual media (spectacular history). By looking at the processes through which experiences were transformed into spectacular images, we will not only try to gain a better perspective on the climate of the times but also on how representation and memory write history. No prior knowledge of Korea or the Korean language is necessary.

Intended Audience:

First-year and second-year students, ALC majors and minors, students interested in Korea from history, anthropology, communication studies, and film studies

Class Format:

Two 90-minute meetings weekly