The "Land of the Morning Calm" is rapidly becoming one of the world's most vital economic forces. Understanding Korea's important historical role and its future in a rapidly changing world requires knowledge of all aspects of Korean life: language, society, culture, and economics.

While in Korea, students of Korean language benefit from the opportunity to practice their language skills daily. Other Korean studies courses will help you understand your host country. If your job involves extensive contact with Korean people, Korean studies courses may provide insights and skills to improve your performance at work. And your knowledge of Korea its people, language, culture and traditions will enrich your personal experience in Korea and other Asian countries.

Recent changes in international affairs will almost certainly expand private sector employment opportunities for people knowledgeable about Asian countries and cultures. Those familiar with Korean language, culture, and society are increasingly valued by employers as this Asian “tiger” gains importance in international business and trade.

The Korean studies programs are complemented by courses in business and management, sociology, government and politics, and history.

For more information on career opportunities, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Peterson’s Job Opportunities, and other specialized guides to the job market.

University of Maryland University College has one of the largest Korean language programs of any American university. Experienced UMUC instructors offer Korean language courses frequently at Education Centers throughout Korea.

University of Maryland University College Asia offers certificates and associate degrees in Korean studies. Students wishing to pursue Korean and related area studies beyond the associate degree may earn a bachelor of arts degree in Asian studies. (See the Asian studies brochure.)

A certificate program requires 18 credits of coursework (of which at least 9 credits must be taken with UMUC).

• Core courses (12 credits)


KORN 111 Elementary Korean I (3)
KORN 112 Elementary Korean II (3)
KORN 114 Elementary Korean III (3)
or Any Korean-related studies course
KORN 115 Elementary Korean IV (3)
or Any course related to Korean Studies
 

• Courses related to Korean studies (6 credits)



• Detailed Certificate Description

Total credits for a Certificate in Korean Studies: 18

Requirements for the Korean Studies Curriculum

The associate in arts in Korean studies requires completion of 60 credits (of which at least 15 credits must be taken with UMUC), including:

• First Courses (within first 18 credits)


LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
MATH 107 College Algebra
or MATH 106 or a higher-level math course
Δ KORN 111 Elementary Korean I (3)
 

• Introductory Courses (take within first 30 credits)


• Additional Required Courses for the Associate of Arts Degree (taken after first and introductory courses)



• Electives (Choose any course to complete the 60 credits for the degree) (1)



• Detailed Degree Description

Total credits for AA with Korean Studies Specialization: 60

Employers and the military recognize a college degree as a major academic achievement. An associate or bachelor's degree from UMUC distinguishes you as a graduate of one of America's leading public universities.

UMUC participates in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Degree Programs for Military Personnel, so you can complete your degree in Asia or at a future duty location.

Your UMUC degree may be closer than you realize. Learning acquired through military experience, examinations, and course work from other schools may be applied to your degree. UMUC may accept as many as 45 credits from these sources toward an associate degree and up to 90 credits toward a B.A. or B.S. degree.

A wide variety of online courses in computer studies and other fields are available through UMUC's distance education (DE) programs, and are helping many students make progress towards UMUC degrees. For lists of courses offered, visit the UMUC Asia DE Web site and click on “Schedule of Classes.”

Contact a UMUC Academic Advisor to arrange for an evaluation of your course work and experience to determine where you stand in your degree program.

1. Start with KORN 111 Elementary Korean I. For a certificate in Korean studies, you must complete both KORN 111 and KORN 112 Elementary Korean II. An associate degree in Korean studies requires two more language courses, KORN 114 Elementary Korean III and KORN 115 Elementary Korean IV.

 

2. Along with your Korean language courses, take courses in Korean culture, history, and politics. Two general Korean area studies courses, KORN 105 Introduction to Korean Language and Culture, and KORN 333 Korean Life and Culture, cover the origin and historical background of contemporary Korea. KORN 105 applies to the General Education Requirement in Arts and Humanities. To satisfy the UMUC General Education Requirements, take basic courses in English and the social sciences to supplement your Korean studies courses, most of which earn humanities or social science credit.

 

3. Remember that the field of Korean studies and Asian studies in general is multidisciplinary. Courses in a variety of disciplines have been approved for credit in the Korean studies program. Examples are: ASTD 150/160 Introduction to Asian Studies I & II, HIST 284/285 East Asian Civilization I & II, and GVPT 453 Recent East Asian Politics.

 

4. Take advantage of your stay in Korea. You can enhance your Korean studies program by immersing yourself in Korean life and culture. Ask your Korean studies instructors for suggestions on how to enrich both your experiences and your studies.

UMUC Asia Academic Advisors are based at Yokota, Kadena, and Yongsan, and also travel frequently to most education centers. They advise students in person, by telephone, and by e-mail, and prepare evaluations of students’ academic progress. Your local UMUC Asia Field Representative can put you in touch with an Academic Advisor.

UMP-104 (4M 9/06)