North Korean Politics, Society and EconomyLaajuus (2 op)

Osaamistavoitteet

Students understand central features of current North Korean politics, society and economy. Course participants will be able to describe and analyse political, socio-economic and ideological elements that influence the relation between society and the state in North Korea. Students will also gain knowledge about relevant theoretical concepts. Students will learn how to communicate their critical reflections and interpretations both orally and in writing. As group work and class discussions will be central to this course, students will learn how to engage in a debate, how to express ideas and how to support their arguments. On the basis of the weekly readings, students will acquire the necessary skills to analyse and interpret sources and information on North Korea.

Sisältö

The North Korean state departed early from the Soviet-style system and has been emphasizing a ‘socialism of our own style’. This course discusses distinct features of North Korea’s political system and state-society relations. Moreover, this course analyses changes in North Korean society and economy since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the disintegration of the Soviet Union. It looks at the causes and consequences of the economic crisis and famine in the 1990s, and discusses the bottom-up marketization of the North Korean economy. Particular attention is also paid to the humanitarian situation. The course introduces students to relevant theoretical concepts and equips them with analytical tools.

Oppimateriaalit

A list of readings will be made available on the Moodle course page at the beginning of the course.

Toteutustavat

HUOM/OBS/NB: In years when other extracurricular courses on Korea are offered this course will not be organized.

Suoritustavat

Contact teaching (12h): teacher's input, group work, class discussions, written assignments;