this course we examine Korean cinema chronologically and topically. In this course we focus on those things that make Korean Cinema unique and competitive both domestically and abroad. We examine how political, social and cultural changes are reflected through cinema. The course is organized thematically and roughly chronologically. We will watch and analyze films from different periods but focus mostly on popular cinema. We will ask on the direct involvement of the government in cinema from the early twentieth century, as show how this type of involvement shaped the content and the unique expression of the Korean Cinema. Among others, we will talk about major themes such as masculinity and femininity, nationality and the roles of horror and melodrama in the shaping collective memory.

The course is designed for heterogeneous audience. It does not assume previous knowledge in Korean language or culture, although those will obviously be beneficial.