Interdisciplinary Studies 2850X: Study Tour of South Korea
Instructor: Ian MacLachlan
Office: B872
Phone: 403 329-2076
E-Mail: maclachlan@uleth.ca
Office Hours: By appointment and June 23, 2:00-4:00 for test return.
Schedule: Summer 2010
Predeparture Lectures (Lethbridge) 6:00-9:00, AH 177: June 10, 11, 14, 15, 16
Note: Due to time limitations and a busy schedule designed to conform with student
availability, some classes may run later than 9:00 PM.
June 21st Class (Lethbridge): 1:00-9:00, AH177
Korean Studies Program (Ulsan): June 25-July 24, 2010
Description: This course is based on the University of Ulsan International Summer Korean
Studies Program from June 25 to July 24, 2010 which will be held in the city of Ulsan, South
Korea. Students will learn about Korean language, culture, history, geography, business and
politics through lectures and field trips. The course has three distinct phases and students will be
assessed through each phase.
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Predeparture classes
Korean Studies Program
Take-home Examination
Required Reading: Reading material will be supplied or posted on the course web page.
Pre-Departure Lecture Outline: Details of material to be covered in pre-departure lectures will be
posted separately on the course web page.
Course Web Page: (http://classes.uleth.ca/201002/idst2850x/).
Grading Policy:
All work will be marked as percentages. Percentages will be weighted and accumulated with final
grades determined as follows:
Grade Ranges
A+
90-100
B+
77-79
C+
67-69
D+
56-59
A
85-89
B
73-76
C
63-66
D
50-55
A-
80-84
B-
70-72
C-
60-62
F
0-49
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Grading Scheme
Description
Scope
Due Date
Value
Test 1
Korean Language
June 16
15%
Test 2
All other pre-departure classes
June 21
20%
Collective Travel
Journal Entries
To be assigned: 1 entry from Lethbridge,
As assigned
2 entries in South Korea
20%
Participation
Attendance & punctuality, active
cooperation, successful completion of all June-July
academic work in Ulsan
25%
Take-home Test
1,000 words, 3 double-spaced pages
20%
August 1
Tests
Two tests are based on pre-departure classes prior to leaving for South Korea. Test 1 will assess
basic Korean language skills. Test 2 will assess the balance of pre-departure course content
(including readings, lectures, and field trip).
Collective Travel Journal Entries
A travel journal will be maintained as a blog that will serve as a permanent, publicly accessible
record of course activities. Students will be assigned three dates to post journal entries to the
blog. (On particularly busy days, two students may be assigned entries.) Entries will describe
what the members of the exchange have done on a particular day but should also offer some
insights on cultural comparisons and contrasts. Blog posts should range from 150 to 300 words in
length. Entries may be supplemented with digital photographs or other links. Blog posts will be
assessed on their clarity of expression, acuity of observations, accuracy of descriptions,
originality of approach and analytical insight. The schedule for blog posts will be posted on the
course web page once students have been assigned dates.
Some questions to guide your blog posts include: What are you learning about South Korea?
What is surprising? What is uncomfortable? What is most enjoyable? What is puzzling? How do
Koreans respond to you? What questions do they ask? What questions do you ask (or want to
ask) them? What have you learned from the people you meet? What have they learned from
you? How are your educational experiences in South Korea different from those in Canada?
How are they similar to your educational experiences in Canada? The blog will be in the public
domain thus language and the views expressed must reflect positively on the university and on
the Korean Studies program at the University of Ulsan.
Participation
Students are expected to participate actively in all course activities: in predeparture classes, while
travelling, and while in South Korea and under the guidance of University of Ulsan staff
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(including classes, extracurricular activities and excursions). The participation grade will be
assigned by the course instructor in consultation with University of Ulsan staff.
Take-Home Exam
Prior to departing from the University of Ulsan, students will receive a take-home exam which
will provide an opportunity for a summary expression of their learning throughout the course.
The exam must be submitted for grading as an e-mail attachment by August 1, 2010, exactly one
week after returning to Canada. (The Dean of Arts and Science’s office has granted special
permission for this late submission date.)
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