Outline

Overview

This unit presents multiple aspects of popular culture in South and North Korea, from K-pop to blockbuster movies, popular literature, internet culture, video games and socialist mass culture. It approaches Korea's cultural industries historically and critically, questioning their relationships to colonialism, militarism, social hierarchies, national identities, and economic globalization. Primary reading materials are drawn from a variety of genres and media to reflect the diversity of popular culture in the two Koreas. All reading materials are available in English translation and no knowledge of Korean is required.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Asian Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points from Korean Studies or 12 credit points at 1000 level from Asian Studies
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Seryun Lee, seryun.lee@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Soomin Hong, soomin.hong@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-class quiz	Quizzes 1,000 words Quizzes	20%	Multiple weeks	1,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group presentation 1,500 words Group presentation (including submitted work component)	30%	Multiple weeks	1,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Short reflections 500 words Short reflections	10%	Multiple weeks	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation and debate Participation and debate (including submitted work component)	10%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay 1,500 words Essay	30%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59	1,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Written work (Essay 30%) – 1,500 words

Students will write a 1,500-word essay on one of the provided topics, due in Week 13. This assessment evaluates students’ critical thinking and written communication skills through the analysis of key concepts, theories, and examples from Korean popular culture.

Presentation (Group presentation 30%) – 1,500 words

Tutorials are driven by student-led group presentations. Each group must deliver a case study that reflects contemporary cultural trends and connects to the weekly topic. Presentations should raise questions for class discussion. Groups must also submit their presentation slides and a contribution log outlining individual roles. This task assesses analytical ability and oral communication skills.

Portfolio or journal (Short reflections 10%) – 500 words

5 short reflections (approx. 100 words each) on lecture content across the semester. Each submission will be graded as Submitted (2) or Not submitted (0), with no late submissions accepted. This task is designed to encourage consistent engagement with lecture material and to foster personal reflection on weekly topics.

In-class quiz (Quizzes 15%) – 1,000 words

Students will complete four short in-class quizzes held in random weeks throughout the semester. The purpose of this assessment is to promote ongoing engagement and comprehension of course content.

Contribution (Attendance & debate 10%) – 500 words

Students are expected to attend all lectures and tutorials throughout the semester. Active participation in class activities will be evaluated.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Distinction

75 - 84

Credit

65 - 74

Pass

50 - 64

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	-	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	-	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	-	Tutorial (1 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Gain in-depth knowledge of how Korean popular culture is produced, distributed and consumed globally
LO2. Reflect about the specificities of Korean culture and its relationships to other cultures around the world
LO3. Develop critical thinking skills to be able to assess the economic, social and political aspects of contemporary cultural industries
LO4. Learn about concepts from the fields of art sociology, economics of culture, cultural studies and critical theory and apply them to the study of works of popular culture
LO5. Conduct research, weigh evidence and work critically with primary and secondary sources
LO6. Structure an academic essay and write clearly and concisely to make persuasive arguments
LO7. Develop oral presentation skills and learn to communicate ideas effectively

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the first time this unit has been offered

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ASNS2004: Korean Popular Culture

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links