Course program
The course is structured into a theoretical part and an anthology part, both aimed at gradually expanding students' knowledge of the various linguistic forms and notations used on the Korean peninsula and their evolutions throughout its long history. The anthology part of the course will consist of reading, syntactic analysis, and translation of at least three excerpts from works in medieval Korean, supplemented by occasional writing and grammar exercises in literary Chinese as used in Korea. Exercises will also be conducted on excerpts from the work Samguk Yusa (1280). For the study of hanja and hanmun, in addition to the provided materials and illustrative lessons, students may refer to the textbook Useful Hanja for Learners of Korean. Darakwon, 2022.
The theoretical part of the course will focus on the history of the Korean language and its writing systems, from the earliest attestations to the Joseon period, based on the book and articles indicated in the bibliography for the theoretical portion. Students are also encouraged to consult, where available, the Italian, English, and modern Korean translations (the latter especially provided in course materials) of the works selected for the exam.
The main materials from the bibliography (especially if hard to obtain) and the texts for exercises will be provided as handouts with illustrative commentary on the course’s classroom platform (enroll via the direct link here: https://classroom.google.com/c/NzExNjQzMTgwMzU1?cjc=6mkplet), where, barring technical issues or limitations, all lesson recordings will also be published, at least for the theoretical part of the course.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites, but an intermediate-level knowledge of written Korean morphology and the hangeul writing system is recommended.
Books
Textbooks:
Reading classes:
Excerpts from Samguk Yusa, Hunmin Jongeum, Yongpi Ochon ga, Samgang haengsil-to (all provided in handouts), accompanied by translations and scholarly commentary where available, to be studied for the exam.
Other excerpts in Sino-Korean or medieval vernacular, as additional exercises.
Theoretical Part:
Study of the following texts:
LEE Ki-Moon and S. Robert Ramsey. A History of the Korean Language. Cambridge University Press, 2011, from the origins up to the end of the Japanese invasions during the Joseon period (i.e., pp. 1-240).
CHUNG Jaeyoung, The Use of Chinese Characters in Ancient Korea: With a Focus on Texts Transcribed with Chinese-Borrowed Characters (provided in handouts).
KIM Young Wook, A Basic Understanding of Hyangga Interpretation (provided in handouts).
서울대학교언어교육원. Useful Hanja for Learners of Korean. Darakwon, 2022 (Part I - basic knowledge).
Students may also find the following useful:
De Benedittis Andrea et al. I Caratteri Cinesi Nella Lingua Coreana. Hoepli, 2013.
Iryŏn (author), Maurizio Riotto (editor). Samguk Yusa: Memorie Dei Tre Regni. Carocci, 2019.
Lee Hyeon-hie and Ross King, Samgang haengsil-do, Conduct of the Three Bonds, Illustrated, 2003 (provided in handouts).
Frequency
Attendance is non-compulsory, but highly recommended.
Exam mode
The evaluation will be graded on a scale of thirty, with an exam generally in oral form, supplemented by a written component if necessary.
Bibliography
LEE Ki-Moon and S. Robert Ramsey. A History of the Korean Language. Cambridge University Press, 2011, from the origins up to the end of the Japanese invasions during the Joseon period (i.e., pp. 1-240).
CHUNG Jaeyoung, The Use of Chinese Characters in Ancient Korea: With a Focus on Texts Transcribed with Chinese-Borrowed Characters (provided in handouts).
KIM Young Wook, A Basic Understanding of Hyangga Interpretation (provided in handouts).
서울대학교언어교육원. Useful Hanja for Learners of Korean. Darakwon, 2022 (Part I - basic knowledge).
De Benedittis Andrea et al. I Caratteri Cinesi Nella Lingua Coreana. Hoepli, 2013.
Iryŏn (author), Maurizio Riotto (editor). Samguk Yusa: Memorie Dei Tre Regni. Carocci, 2019.
Lee Hyeon-hie and Ross King, Samgang haengsil-do, Conduct of the Three Bonds, Illustrated, 2003 (provided in handouts).
Lesson mode
On-site classes, with the possibility of remote attendance and availability of classes replay when possible.
