In HIEA 2101 we shall focus on social, cultural, political, economic, and intellectual developments on the Korean peninsula from the late 19th century into the second decade of the 21st century.  We shall trace those developments as they unfolded through the final decades of the Joseon Period (1392-1910); the period of Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945); liberation, division, and war (1945-1953); the similar then divergent routes followed in the north and the south in the aftermath of the armistice of 1953; relations between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; and prospects for reunification.

The course grade will be based on two take-home examinations in the form of two 2-3 page essays on topics chosen from a list provided by the instructor (25% each), and two one-hour quizzes (25%).