IS-419 Korean Language and Dialect
Syllabus
Overview
This course is an introduction to dialect studies focusing on Korean dialect data with a sociolinguistic
approach. In this course, we will investigate regional, and social dialect variations in Korean language and
discuss issues related to those variations including general myth on 'dialect and accent', 'dialect and social
meanings', and 'regional dialects and sociolects across the whole Korean peninsula (including North Korean
regional dialects)'. We will also discuss general information on language variation, attitudes and ideologies
towards language varieties including issues on 'linguistic profiling and prejudices'. By incorporating key
readings of dialect and language variation studies, recordings and data from mass media, we will be provided
with various materials which will lead us to theoretical knowledge and also discussions on real world
applications. This course does not require students to have advanced proficiency in Korean language.
Although some language skill might be helpful, student evaluation does not consider students’ proficiency in
Korean language since this course is not designed for language improvement.
The course largely comprise of two parts: (1) Regional/Social Dialect, and (2) Variation and Social
Meaning. The first half (nine classes) of five week long session (18 classes +mid-term and final) briefly focuses
on introducing key concepts related to dialect studies and overviewing regional/social dialects and Korean
dialects. The latter half focuses on social meanings and indexical fields of regional/social variations in various
social domains.
Assignments consist of weekly homework which reflects the course work. Through these assignments
and in-class lectures, students will understand the key terms and concepts of dialect studies and language
variations. For exams, there will be one in-class exam for mid-term, and a final paper. In-class mid-term exam
reflects contents of lectures on theoretical concepts of dialect and language variation. The final project requires
students to write a short report or an essay (5 to 10 pages long) on a linguistic phenomenon dealing with
linguistic variation in any kind of language.
Contact
Name:
Email:
Cell:
Office hours:
Jinsok Lee
linguist.jinsok@gmail.com
TBA
By appointment
Requirements
Readings
There is no single textbook for this course. Instead, a reading packet will be assigned which is required for
students to read before classes. Reading packet will be prepared in the ISS office for purchase.
Homework assignments and quiz
There will be weekly homework reflecting the contents covered in prior classes. Homework is due the
next class and no late submissions will be accepted for any reason. However, your one lowest grade will be
dropped. There will be two pop quizzes which will reflect the materials covered in the prior class.
Mid-term exam
Mid-term exam will take place in the class room. This is not an open-source exam. There will be a review
session held before the mid-term day.
Final project paper/Presentation
For each student, writing a short final project paper towards the end of the semester is required. Students should
choose one language (other than Korean is also ok) and write a brief report on language variation. Students
should consult with the course instructor before they start writing their final paper. The length of the paper
should be 5 to10 pages. There will be a short final project presentation for each student/group.
Participation
Your attendance is required. If you are to miss a lecture, please notify me well in advance of your absence (if
not, your absence will directly affect your grade). If you miss more than four classes, you will not be able to
pass the course with no exception.
Grade Breakdown
Homework: 30%
Pop-Quiz: 5%
Mid-term: 25%
Final project: 25%
Final project presentation: 5%
Participation: 10% (absence: -1%, lateness: -0.5%, more than four absences: fail)
Course Schedule
First Week
Jul 11th (Wed) First Day - Orientation/Course Overview
July 12th (Thur) Dialect and Language
Second Week
July 16th (Mon)
July 17th (Tue)
July 18th (Wed)
July 19th (Thu)
July 20th (Fri)
Regional Dialects
Social Dialects
Brief Intro to Korean Language
Standard Korean and Seoul Dialect
Dialect Areas of Korea
Third Week
July 23rd (Mon)
July 24th (Tue)
July 25th (Wed)
July 26th (Thu)
Phonological Features of Korean Dialects
Syntactic and Lexical Features of Korean Dialects
Linguistic Divergence in South and North Korea
Mid-Term Exam Review
Fourth Week
July 30th (Mon)
July 31st (Tue)
Aug 1st (Wed)
Aug 2nd (Thu)
Aug 3rd (Fri)
Fifth Week
Aug 6th (Mon)
Aug 7th (Tue)
Aug 8th (Wed)
Aug 9th (Thu)
Aug 10th (Fri)
Mid-Term Exam/Final Paper Topic Due
Brief Intro to Language and Social Meaning
the East vs. the West (Movie “Hwangsanbeol - Once Upon a Time in the Battlefield”)
Politics of Dialects in Korean Films – Dialects and its social meanings in ‘Hwangsanbeol’
Politics of Dialects in Korean Films – Dialects and its social meanings in Korean Gangster
Movies
Social Meanings of Dialects in Korean TV Shows
Social Meanings of Dialects in Korean TV Shows (cont’d)
Final Project Presentation
Wrap-up/Course Evaluation/Final Project Due
Closing Ceremony