Status: Available

Korea

An improbable country

Fall 2024

Tuesday Afternoon

Moderators: Janet Nichols, Norma Johnson

Details

PURPOSE:

The purpose is to develop a more complete understanding of North and South Korea’s impact on our modern world through exploring Korea’s history, culture, and geography.

DESCRIPTION:

Korea is a small peninsula buffeted throughout history by more powerful neighbors – China, Russia, Japan, Mongolia, and the U.S. Korea has developed its own unique culture and history. The aftermath of the Korean War in the early 1950s left the country divided and destitute. Within a 70-year span, South Korea became an economic juggernaut and cultural powerhouse, while North Korea remained an impoverished country run by a communist dictatorship. We will explore influences that led to today’s opposing Koreas and their importance to the world.

ROLE OF PARTICIPANTS: Each participant is expected to prepare and deliver a presentation of approximately 30 minutes about some aspect of Korea and participate in seminar discussions.

RESOURCES:

The book, A Brief History of Korea, by Michael J. Seth, is highly recommended. An additional detailed bibliography will be supplied to participants by the moderator.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR: Janet Nichols is a retired college business instructor and student of history. She has co-moderated two seminars and moderated one about Japan. Norma Johnson has been a member of FCLIR since 2014 and participated in many seminars. She has interests in movies directed by Korean filmmakers and in traditional Korean foods.