Course
Course 15 credits • COSM24
The course analyses cultural, social and political issues in contemporary Japanese and Korean societies.
The course takes a multidisciplinary perspective and is divided into four parts. The first part provides a general understanding of the social and political processes in Japan and North Korea and South Korea. The countries history and impact on contemporary Japanese and Korean societies are discussed. The focus is on the post-Cold War era.
The second part of the course makes comparisons between Japan and Korea and in particular similarities between Japan and South Korea. Themes that are discussed include the impact of colonialism on North Korea and South Korea, the partition of the two countries, and the post-War authoritarian regimes.
The third part of the course addresses the role of the media and how it creates both continuities and changes in Japan and Korea. The study of the role of media provides a deeper understanding of the countries political and socio-cultural dynamics. In this part of the course China’s influence on Japan and Korea is also discussed.
The fourth part of the course addresses the challenges that Japan and Korea are facing. In this part the countries changing demographics and the connection between an aging population, gender inequality and migration are discussed.
Study period:
spring semester 2026
Type of studies:
full time,
day
Study period:
2026-01-19 – 2026-03-22
Language of instruction:
English
Application code:
LU-59651
Eligibility:
The student must have a Bachelor's degree in social sciences or humanities. English 6/English course B from Swedish upper secondary school
Introductory meeting: Monday, 19 January at 13.15 – 15.00 in LUX:B339
Teachers:
John Hennessey,
Youngeun Koo,
Julia Olsson,
Naoko Takayanagi
Information on included parts
- Individual Seminar Paper I , 4.5 credits
- Individual Seminar Paper II , 4.5 credits
- Individual Take-Home Exam , 6 credits
Introductory meeting
Spring semester 2026
Monday, 19 Januaryat 13.15 – 15.00
in LUX:B339