Korean popular culture has gained global momentum over the past two decades, creating the phenomenon known as Hallyu [the Korean Wave]. This course explores the technological innovations, sociopolitical changes, and historical forces behind South Korea's cultural rise and what it reveals about global cultural shifts. We will engage with various forms of Korean popular culture—graphic novels, folk songs, music, TV, film, digital media, and food—as both reflections of contemporary Korean society and active sites of cultural production and exchange. The course includes theories on media politics, authorship, and cultural consumption. No prior knowledge of Korean history or culture is required.

Prerequisites: Upper-division standing

4

Units

Optional

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

Upper division only

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
HWANG S
Susan Hwang
4.8
9 reviews
AI predicted, based on past grading trends of the course and instructor, class info, and 127 other factors

Time location TBD

KOR W 153 Hwang S Summer 2025 Total: 30
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9
4.8
EACS4B . Hwang S 7 Days Ago

Kind professor, very knowledgeable about the subject. She reminds me of my mom. She includes lots of info on their slides that cover the info in the readings. A lot of material that has to be covered, but it is manageable and she does a good job being thorough. Overall good prof., not a difficult class, and grade is more dependent on your TA.

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EACS4B . Hwang S 20 Days Ago

Really kind and clearly passionate about her subject. Lectures could be a bit long and dry at times but I enjoyed myself overall. Lots of extra credit opportunities too. Lecture attendance was required and there were a lot of assigned readings (but I didn't do the latter and did fine in the class).

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KOR113 . Hwang S 4 Months Ago

Very professional and caring.

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KOR113 . Hwang S 1 Year, 13 Days Ago

Thoroughly enjoyed taking KOR 113 with Professor Hwang! There are weekly readings and a short quiz at the beginning of each lecture on the readings. The quizzes are straightforward and not trying to trick you. Her papers are also straightforward and enjoyable to write. She's a great lecturer, a passionate prof, and wants you to do well!

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KOR113 . Hwang S 1 Year, 3 Months Ago

I took Professor Hwang KOR 153 class and it was such a nice class to take at the end of your school day! It's not easy because it's simple, it's easy because she's super engaging and makes the topics entertaining to learn. Even as someone who's not a reader, I enjoyed the reading she assigned and the conversations in class abt it :) would do again!

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KOR113 . Hwang S 1 Year, 3 Months Ago

professor hwang is amazing! i took KOR 153 with her and she made lectures engaging and interesting. we had weekly reading responses, 2 weekly discussion questions, a midterm, and a final project. one of my favorite classes that i've ever taken at UCSB!

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KOR W 1
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KOR W 2
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KOR W 3
0 / 20 Enrolled
First Year Korean
Wona Lee 5.0
M T W R
10:00 AM - 11:50 AM