Objectives
Sheffield is one of only two universities in the UK that offer a dual degree programme in Korean Studies with Japanese. In this programme, you will take three years of Korean language modules and lecture-based modules on Korea and Japan in Sheffield, and one year of intensive Korean language study at Yonsei University in Seoul. You will also study the Japanese language for two years in years three and four. The School of East Asian Studies also offers a degree in Single Honours Korean Studies, and dual degrees with Management, Music (see Music Department website) and Linguistics (see School of English website). The core non-language modules for the programme are specific to Korea and Japan, but you are also able to take option modules that cover East Asia as a whole, or modules that are specific to Korea, Japan or China. These modules cover a wide range of subjects from business and economics, politics, sociology, history, linguistics, literature, religion and philosophy. In the first year, the language modules cover all skills, from reading and writing to speaking and listening. There is no need for any prior knowledge of the Korean language. Korean language classes are small, and you will use the Korean language and script (called Han'g?l) from day one. The core non-language modules for year 1 are specific to Korea and Japan, but you are also able to take modules that cover East Asia in general, highlighting the significance of Korean and Japanese issues in a regional or global context. In your second year, you will take one year of intensive language study at Yonsei University in Seoul. The Year Abroad is a great opportunity to expand both your language skills and your understanding of Korean society and culture. Yonsei University has the best-known institute of Korean language education for foreign students. Seoul has been the capital of Korea since the fourteenth century and is now at the centre of the radical socio-political changes sweeping East Asia. After you return to Sheffield, the focus of the Korean language modules will shift in the final two years to more advanced and vocational skills in writing, summary, precision translation, debate and oral presentation. You will study Chinese characters as used in Korean in years three and four. The core lecture-based modules cover traditional culture and contemporary Korean society. The lecture-based option modules cover a wide range of subjects, such as business and economics, film and cultural studies, politics, sociology, history, linguistics, literature, religion and philosophy. You will also begin your study of the Japanese language in Year 3 for the final two years of your programme. Japanese language classes are also small, and the pattern of teaching follows the same pattern as for Korean language tuition. Please note that this degree is not suitable for those who already have, or are taking, A-Level Japanese.
