Departments
| Departments | Tel | Homepage |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Korean Language and Literature | +82-2-3290-1960 | Go to Homepage |
| Over the past half century, the Department of Korean Language and Literature has turned out a sizable number of students who are taking leading roles in the fields of education, media, and culture. Currently, approximately 170 graduates are working as professors at universities in Korea, and many are involved in teaching students at other educational institutions. Graduates from the department make contributions to developing Korean society and to enhancing the university’s reputation by actively working as artists and professionals such as poets, novelists, critics, copywriters, journalists, actors, publishers, company PR specialists, and Korean language teachers. | ||
| Department of Philosophy | +82-2-3290-2010 | Go to Homepage |
| Philosophy is a discipline to investigate the ultimate principles of nature and man and to pursue a synthesis of theory and practice. Philosophers examine the possibilities and limitations of human knowledge, seek the foundations of ethical standards and values in human society, and attempt to find the origin of our existence. Established in 1946, the Department of Philosophy aims to foster creative and logical thinking skills necessary for building the future society and to critically explore Eastern and Western philosophical ideas that refrain people in a dehumanized society from passive living and encourage independent living. Since its establishment, the professors of Eastern and Western philosophy have educated numerous graduates to play important roles in various fields. In addition, the department is widely recognized as a leader of philosophy in Korea. | ||
| Department of Korean History | +82-2-3290-2030 | Go to Homepage |
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The Department of Korean History at Korea University has its origins in the Department of History established on August 15, 1946, in response to a call from a nation that was about to start a new chapter in its history. While inheriting the academic traditions and achievements of the Department of History, the Department of Korean History was separated from it in 1989, pursuing the specialization of research and lectures related to the history of Korea. Over the past half century, the departments of History and Korean History have turned out a number of outstanding scholars who have contributed greatly to academic developments. Graduates working outside the academic world have also demonstrated notable performances in various fields. As of today, the Department of Korean History has a faculty of seven professors who have yielded remarkable outcomes from their research on various topics covering all time periods of Korean history: the ancient era, Goryeo Dynasty, early and late days of Joseon Dynasty, Japanese colonial era and modern history. It offers a systematic curriculum which takes students from an introductory to an intermediate level where they are expected to obtain a general understanding of each historical time period. Its ultimate goal is to have students narrow down their focus to a specific area of Korean history. The department also provides lectures on related subjects such as archaeology so that students can broaden their intellectual horizons. Twice a year, it offers regular field trips to provide students an opportunity to engage in first-hand experiences at some of the historical sites in Korea. |
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| Department of History | +82-2-3290-2050 | Go to Homepage |
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The Department of History was established in August 1946 when then Bosung College was elevated to university status and renamed Korea University. The department suffered from the outbreak of the Korean War, but gained momentum for growth from 1953, when the war ended. Students who graduated from the department in the 1960s and 70s are currently holding prominent positions in various parts of our society. The year 1989 was a turning point for the department; it was divided into three specialized departments; the departments of Korean History, Eastern History, and Western History. Having 30 students each, the three departments competed with and complemented each other. It seemed the Department of History has disappeared in the mists of time; however, in March 2004 when the departments of Eastern History and Western History were combined, the Department of History was reborn. This was in line with the university’s efforts to arm students with expertise in world history and to widen their views on history without limiting their knowledge to either the East or West. Accordingly, the department offers a wide range of courses and lectures on Eastern and Western history. Its elective courses include introductory courses and in-depth lectures on topics such as the history of mentality or the history of women. The major courses cover different time periods of history in different regions of the world, adding variety with subjects such as the history of cultural exchanges and the history of scientific technology. As of today, the department has seven professors on its faculty who have majored in each area of history, thus providing an environment where students can have a balance in their studies between Eastern and Western history. Every semester, the department invites a history professor from China so that students can have a chance to broaden their perspectives. It is currently planning to expand its international exchange program into more countries. In addition, the department has formed academic societies and research societies. Every year, it offers field trips to Korean historical sites in order to help students expand their spectrum of expertise. Biennial field trips to historic sites in China and Japan also support students in preparing for international citizenship. The biennial program will be extended to other regions of the world such as Europe or the United States. Graduates from the department continue their studies in graduate school to become professors or teachers, or begin professional careers in media organizations, research institutes and companies which seek expertise in history and culture. |
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| Department of Psychology | +82-2-3290-2060 | Go to Homepage |
| With its 40-year history, the Department of Psychology holds a unique position in the field of psychology studies in Korea. It has educated researchers who work at universities across the country and plays a leading role in the development of psychology in Korea. There are five psychology majors in the curriculum: clinical and counseling psychology, industrial psychology, experimental psychology, physiological psychology, and cultural psychology. Graduates actively work in various fields such as counseling, clinical psychology, teaching, business, advertising, research, consulting, various test development including intelligence/aptitude tests, human-computer engineering, artificial intelligence, and bio-activities. | ||
| Department of Sociology | +82-2-3290-2070 | Go to Homepage |
| The Department of Sociology was founded in March 1963 with the objective to foster basic studies of the humanities and social sciences. In March 1967, master’s and doctoral programs were established. Eighty students join the undergraduate program every year, approximately 320 undergraduate students are currently enrolled in the department, and about 50 graduate students are pursuing advanced studies in sociology. | ||
| Department of Classical Chinese | +82-2-3290-2160 | Go to Homepage |
| Rooted in the accuracy of Chinese characters that embody the nature of multidisciplinary studies, the Department of Classical Chinese provides a balanced approach to literature, history, philosophy, politics, economy, society, and culture for students to develop comprehensive and systematic perspectives. In doing so, the Department has strived to educate talented individuals in various fields including Korean Studies and Asian Studies since its establishment in 1987 at the College of Liberal Arts, Korea University. | ||
| Department of English Language and Literature | +82-2-3290-1980 | Go to Homepage |
| The Department of English Language and Literature was established in August 1946 at the College of Liberal Arts. With 70 years of history and a prominent faculty, the department offers various courses in many disciplines such as English linguistics, linguistics, British and American Literature, and Irish and Commonwealth Literature. In addition, we provide opportunities to pursue in-depth academic studies and enhance English proficiency by inviting international professors to teach English conversation and writing classes. | ||
| Department of German Language and Literature | +82-2-3290-2090 | Go to Homepage |
| Since its foundation in 1963, the department has graduated over 1,000 undergraduate students, over 100 master’s students and doctoral students. These graduates actively engage in the fields of academia, media and publishing, finance, economy, education, and public service. With their high-level of German proficiency, many of them play a key role in companies that enter European markets. In addition, the Department has to date produced 32 university professors. | ||
| Department of French Language and Literature | +82-2-3290-2100 | Go to Homepage |
| Founded in 1963, the Department of French Language and Literature has a faculty of six specialist researchers specializing in fields such as the French language in medieval times to modern French and classical and modern French literature. Through their in-depth studies and courses, the department has graduated numerous outstanding master’s and doctoral students who have recorded high levels of academic achievement. | ||
| Department of Chinese Language and Literature | +82-2-3290-2120 | Go to Homepage |
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The Department of Chinese Language and Literature was established in 1972 when relations with China were expected to improve as international relations thawed. To date, approximately 1,000 students have earned bachelor’s degrees from the department. They have played a bridging role in developing national exchanges between China and Korea. Through the graduate program starting in 1976, nearly 200 students have gained their M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. Some helped lead the publication process of the Chinese-Korean Dictionary Unabridged Edition, one of the world’s best Chinese dictionaries. Others have published a number of papers, books, and translations related to Chinese literature, lifting Chinese studies in the nation to the next level. The curriculum helps students take a systematic approach to Chinese language and literature, from learning how to pronounce Chinese accurately to gaining an in-depth knowledge of China as a country. Thanks to such an approach, every year more than 95% of department graduates successfully land a job, and their career paths have diversified along with the world they play a part in. |
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| Department of Russian Language and Literature | +82-2-3290-2130 | Go to Homepage |
| Foreseeing diversification of the international order and the increase of Russian influence on conditions in Northeast Asia including the Korean peninsula, the Department of Russian Language and Literature was founded in 1972, even before the Korean government established diplomatic relations with Russia. After the collapse of the socialist system, the department recognized the growing need for Russian language study and pursued a broad understanding of Russia through courses in Russian literature. In a rapidly changing world, the department aims to nurture professionals in the field of regional studies including Russian politics, economy, and society, as well as culture including music, arts, film, and theater. In addition, it has played a leading role in promoting diplomacy toward Russia of which demand is rapidly increasing, and assisting private firms that plan to enter the Russian market. In addition, the department is active in the media and cultural circles. | ||
| Department of Japanese Language and Literature | +82-2-3290-2140 | Go to Homepage |
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The Department of Japanese Language and Literature was established in 1983 at the College of Liberal Arts with 65 new students. Every year, the department selects 50 new students plus a few more outside the prescribed number. About 200 students are currently enrolled in the department. The department has graduated approximately 600 students who have made their ways into various fields in our society. The department’s educational objectives lie in helping students find their identity as Koreans and realize their potential by providing them a systematic education in Japanese culture. Its curriculum assists students in developing their Japanese competencies and in understanding Japanese culture from the perspectives of linguistics, history, society and art. In order to improve its international competitiveness and the quality of lectures, it has signed student exchange agreements with some of Japan’s most prestigious universities, including Waseda, Meiji, and Chou universities and the University of Tsukuba, and actively participates in academic exchanges with its partner universities. In the 21st century, the more the spectrum of exchanges with Japan expands into movies and music, the more the need for conducting thorough research into Japan increases. The department offers master’s and doctorate programs in Japanese language and literature administered by the Korea University Graduate School. In addition, the KU Graduate School of Education has master’s and doctorate programs in Japanese education. Based on a mutually cooperative relationship with the undergraduate department, the graduate schools perform their duties as the nation’s best educational and research institutions focusing on Japan. |
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| Department of Spanish Language and Literature | +82-2-3290-2150 | Go to Homepage |
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Spanish, spoken by approximately 400 million people, not only in Spain but in most Latin American countries and some parts of Africa, is a universal language that is essential for Koreans wishing to make inroads into foreign markets and for establishing diplomatic relations. The Department of Spanish Language and Literature at Korea University, established in 1983, opened a new chapter in Spanish and Latin American studies when the significance of the Spanish language and Latin American culture was magnified by globalization. Despite its relatively short history, the department has been at the center of Spanish studies in Korea, conducting systematic research with accomplished professors. The department helps students develop practical competence as a Spanish speaker by learning Spanish grammar and practicing the language in a systematic way. It also walks students through the history of Spanish and Latin American literature to increase their understanding of the culture’s literary works. Many of its graduates are currently working at overseas branches of large companies in Korea or serving as public officials involved in expanding international exchanges with Spanish-speaking countries. Some of them have decided to further their studies abroad in Spain, Mexico, the United Kingdom or the United States. |
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| Department of Linguistics | +82-2-3290-2170 | Go to Homepage |
| In accordance with the need to cultivate future-oriented individuals who lead in an information-based society, the Department of Linguistics was established in 1989, and produced the first graduating class in 1993. In addition, master's and doctoral programs in linguistics are designed to nurture highly skilled students with curricula focusing on advanced and practical academic studies. The curricula largely consist of theoretical lectures, foreign language education, computer education, and teaching in the fields of interdisciplinary and advanced studies. | ||