KREN-361 Korean Myths and Folklore

Faculty:

Yoo, Hei

This course examines a variety of Korean myths, folklore and legends which influenced Korean culture, thought, and ethics. Korean myth is based on historical facts and is usually stories that tell the extraordinary lives of the founders of tribes and nations. Other myths have formed to glorify great figures in ancient history. Throughout Korean history, folklore and legends influenced the people as they provided moral guidelines. Students will study the cultural anthropology behind these myths and folklore and further examine the influence they had on Korean society today. Later in course, students will study neighboring countries’ myths and compare them with Korean myths. This course explores beyond Asian myths to examine Greek myths and compare these different aspects and origins of myths. Through readings and analyses of the folklore and legends, the students will gain deep insights into Korean culture and religion.
Coursework includes reading selected passages of Korean folklore and legends, making oral presentations, and writing papers. Class discussions will deal with questions such as why there are no creation myths in Korean legends, what contributed to the differences in myths between different countries, and what are the implications of these differences and similarities between myths and explore why certain myths differ and coincide between certain countries. (conducted in English)

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Other academic years
There is information about this course number in other academic years:

• 2004-2005 Fall and Spring
• 2005-2006 Fall and Spring
• 2006-2007 Fall and Spring
• 2007-2008 Fall and Spring
• 2008-2009 Fall and Spring
• 2009-2010 Fall and Spring
• 2010-2011 Fall and Spring
• 2011-2012 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring

More information
Look for this course in the schedule of classes.

The academic department web site for this program may provide other details about this course.