Oriental Languages and Cultures

This course aims to critically explore modern and contemporary Korean literature from the 1910s to the present. Instead of seeking definitive answers, its primary goal is to cultivate independent analytical skills by exploring the multi-layered meanings of texts through seven key questions. -To develop an in-depth understanding of major works and authors in modern and contemporary Korean literature within their historical and social contexts. -To train students to independently apply key critical theories—such as gender, trauma, regionality, and family ideology—to the analysis of literary texts. -To understand the phenomenon of 'remediation,' where literary texts are transformed into other media like webtoons or picture books, and to critically examine the resulting expansion of narrative. -To broaden the perspective on the diversity and complexity of Korean literature by examining marginalized fields such as North Korean literature, dialects, and experimental narrative forms. -To cultivate the ability to logically construct and persuasively present one's own critical perspectives based on an independent analysis and interpretation of literary works.

Knowledge of classical Korean literature is useful.

Jung, I. Fiori d'azalea di Kim Sowol. Roma: Orientalia, 2022. Han, Kang. Non dico addio. translated by Lia Iovenitti, Milano: Adelphi, 2024. Baek, Heena. La fata dell’acqua, Terre di Mezzo, 2024. Kim, Myeong-sun. "Fanciulla misteriosa." in Voci di donne coreane, by Kang Gyeong-Ae, Kim Myeong-Sun, and Na Hye-Seok, translated by Giulia Donati, Le Sibille, 2025. Baek, Nam-Ryong. Friend : a novel from North Korea. translated by Immanuel Kim, New York : Columbia University Press, 2020. Pak, Wan-sŏ. Mother's stake 1. translated by Young-nan Yu, Seoul : Asia Publishers, 2012 Hyŏn, Ki-yŏng. Sun-i samch'on. translated by Jung-hi Lee, Seoul : Asia Publisher, 2012.

While official attendance follows the university's regulations, this course is designed to be a highly interactive learning environment combining lectures and in-depth discussions. Therefore, your presence and active participation are crucial not only for your own academic success but also for the enrichment of the class as a whole. You are strongly encouraged to attend every session.

The final grade is calculated out of a total of 30 points, combining the scores from the following components: -Reading Journals (Up to 10 points) Evaluated based on the submission of reading journals throughout the semester. 1 point will be awarded for each journal. -Final Presentation (Up to 10 points) Conducted in a team of three, the presentation will be comprehensively evaluated on the originality of the topic, the depth and logic of the analysis, and the clarity of the delivery. -Oral Exam (Up to 10 points, + Lode) The final oral exam will assess your comprehensive understanding of all the texts and key themes covered in the course. Students who demonstrate exceptional achievement across all evaluation categories may be awarded the highest grade of "30 with Honors" (30 e Lode).

This course will be conducted primarily through lectures and active class discussions. To ensure meaningful participation, it is essential that students read the assigned texts before each class. -Weekly Readings For each work covered weekly, the original Korean text (in whole or in part) will be provided along with an English or Italian translation. (Note: A translation may not be available for some works.) You are strongly encouraged to read both versions of the text to participate fully in the discussions. -Reading Journal Submission Students must submit a reading journal (maximum 1 page, A4) containing their impressions and questions about the text before the start of each class. The journal should include not only personal impressions of the work but also critical questions or issues related to it. These submissions will serve as a key foundation for our in-class discussions.

This course aims to critically explore modern and contemporary Korean literature from the 1910s to the present. Instead of seeking definitive answers, its primary goal is to cultivate independent analytical skills by exploring the multi-layered meanings of texts through seven key questions. -To develop an in-depth understanding of major works and authors in modern and contemporary Korean literature within their historical and social contexts. -To train students to independently apply key critical theories—such as gender, trauma, regionality, and family ideology—to the analysis of literary texts. -To understand the phenomenon of 'remediation,' where literary texts are transformed into other media like webtoons or picture books, and to critically examine the resulting expansion of narrative. -To broaden the perspective on the diversity and complexity of Korean literature by examining marginalized fields such as North Korean literature, dialects, and experimental narrative forms. -To cultivate the ability to logically construct and persuasively present one's own critical perspectives based on an independent analysis and interpretation of literary works.

Knowledge of classical Korean literature is useful.

Jung, I. Fiori d'azalea di Kim Sowol. Roma: Orientalia, 2022. Han, Kang. Non dico addio. translated by Lia Iovenitti, Milano: Adelphi, 2024. Baek, Heena. La fata dell’acqua, Terre di Mezzo, 2024. Kim, Myeong-sun. "Fanciulla misteriosa." in Voci di donne coreane, by Kang Gyeong-Ae, Kim Myeong-Sun, and Na Hye-Seok, translated by Giulia Donati, Le Sibille, 2025. Baek, Nam-Ryong. Friend : a novel from North Korea. translated by Immanuel Kim, New York : Columbia University Press, 2020. Pak, Wan-sŏ. Mother's stake 1. translated by Young-nan Yu, Seoul : Asia Publishers, 2012 Hyŏn, Ki-yŏng. Sun-i samch'on. translated by Jung-hi Lee, Seoul : Asia Publisher, 2012.

While official attendance follows the university's regulations, this course is designed to be a highly interactive learning environment combining lectures and in-depth discussions. Therefore, your presence and active participation are crucial not only for your own academic success but also for the enrichment of the class as a whole. You are strongly encouraged to attend every session.

The final grade is calculated out of a total of 30 points, combining the scores from the following components: -Reading Journals (Up to 10 points) Evaluated based on the submission of reading journals throughout the semester. 1 point will be awarded for each journal. -Final Presentation (Up to 10 points) Conducted in a team of three, the presentation will be comprehensively evaluated on the originality of the topic, the depth and logic of the analysis, and the clarity of the delivery. -Oral Exam (Up to 10 points, + Lode) The final oral exam will assess your comprehensive understanding of all the texts and key themes covered in the course. Students who demonstrate exceptional achievement across all evaluation categories may be awarded the highest grade of "30 with Honors" (30 e Lode).

This course will be conducted primarily through lectures and active class discussions. To ensure meaningful participation, it is essential that students read the assigned texts before each class. -Weekly Readings For each work covered weekly, the original Korean text (in whole or in part) will be provided along with an English or Italian translation. (Note: A translation may not be available for some works.) You are strongly encouraged to read both versions of the text to participate fully in the discussions. -Reading Journal Submission Students must submit a reading journal (maximum 1 page, A4) containing their impressions and questions about the text before the start of each class. The journal should include not only personal impressions of the work but also critical questions or issues related to it. These submissions will serve as a key foundation for our in-class discussions.