Humanities Courses AAS 217-J Introduction to Korean Culture This course provides students with an opportunity to experience and understand Korean culture from ancient to modern times. Along with the examination of the cultural history of Korea, the course also discusses how human creativity has generated an aesthetical distinctiveness in Korea under the given historical conditions. The topics for class discussions include Korean history, religions, arts, and contemporary lifestyle. AAS/RLS 240-J Confucianism and Taoism Through comprehensive readings on the two most influential philosophical and religious traditions, Confucianism and Taoism, this course aims to enhance students’ understanding of the cultural and intellectual background of the East Asian civilization. The course will examine and discuss diverse topics represented in these traditions, including freedom and morality, absolutism and relativism, destruction and construction, as well as being and non-being. It will also examine the commonalities embedded in these teachings, especially in the context of East Asian ways of life. AAS 246-J Korean and Japanese Religions Through comprehensive readings on Korean and Japanese religious traditions from ancient to contemporary, this course aims to enhance the understanding of the cultural backgrounds of both countries. It will examine and discuss the diverse cultural, religious and philosophical discourses presented by the different traditions and ways of life in the two countries. AAS 260-J Buddhism This course will introduce the basic teachings of Buddhism in their historical context. Beginning with Gautama Buddha, the course will survey of the lives and works of the major historical figures in Buddhism. Particular attention will be paid to the meanings of ‘faith’, ‘practice’, and ‘enlightenment’ within the context of Buddhism. AAS 300-G Intellectual History of East Asia This course will discuss the major intellectual traditions of East Asia with the idea that intellectual movements not only reflect but also influence historical developments. In this way, the course aims to enhance the students’ understanding of East Asian thought, history, and ways of life. Topics will cover the intellectual movements in China, Japan, and Korea from ancient times to the early twentieth century. AAS 321-G Korean Literature Covering major works of Korean literature from ancient times to the present, this course aims first to enhance understanding of Korea through literary works of various periods and genres which clearly reflect historical background. The course will touch on various topics of Korean literary history. Some of the topics covered in class include traditional values, everyday life and the cultural orientations which dominated and influenced the consciousness of both commoners and producers of these literary works. By exploring pieces from different time periods, the course will attempt to find a cultural continuity which persisted throughout Korean history from pre-modern to modern. The course also aims to help student to develop basic skills in humanities of critical reading and analyzing literary works. AAS 346 Philosophy of Education in Korea and Japan AAS 367-J Meditation and Enlightenment This course is designed to guide students to a deeper understanding of Zen Buddhism as taught and practiced in East Asia, through a critical analysis of various interpretations on the major Zen texts used by the various Zen schools throughout their history. The course will explore the nature of the enlightenment experience, the various aspects of meditation practice, and the relationship between Zen experience and everyday life. AAS 400 Seminar in Korean Studies AAS 447 Directed Readings in Asian and Asian American Studies AAS 475, 476 Undergraduate Teaching Practica I, II AAS 487 Supervised Research in Asian and Asian American Studies AAS 488 Internship KOR 331-F Social Science Topics in Korean Studies KOR 332-G Humanities Topics in Korean Studies (Buddhist-Christian Dialogue) KOR 351 Studies in Korean Literature