360°: K-Power
This cluster explores three key dimensions of South Korea: Might (its politics, military, and diplomacy), Money (its economy), and Minds (its culture).
This cluster explores three key dimensions of South Korea: Might (its politics, military, and diplomacy), Money (its economy), and Minds (its culture).
As a small country surrounded by four global powers—China, Japan, Russia, and the United States across the Pacific—South Korea’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Emerging from the devastation of colonialism and war, a period of rapid economic growth transformed South Korea from one of the world’s poorest countries into a global economic powerhouse in just a few decades.
South Korea is also defined by its vibrant democracy, characterized by active political engagement and a robust civil society. Not only has the country become economically wealthier, but its citizens have become physically healthier, boasting 3rd highest life expectancy and top ranked healthcare systems in the world. Its culture—spanning from the global phenomenon of K-pop to its rich traditions in art, food, and philosophy—has captivated the world, blending modernity with heritage.
Yet, South Korea faces unique challenges as the world’s last divided state, confronting the ongoing threat of a nuclear-armed North Korea. Also, South Korea has the world’s lowest fertility rate, with a rapidly growing aging population and corresponding pressures on nation’s healthcare. This cluster invites students to explore three key dimensions of South Korea: Might (its politics, military, and diplomacy), Money (its economy), and Minds (its culture).
The cohort travels to Seoul, Korea to engage in a wide range of dynamic academic and cultural activities. These include corporate visits, academic institutional tours, and cultural site visits, such as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Courses
This course, taught by Youngji Son, offers an introductory survey of Korean culture and society, focusing on major transformations and continuities during the modern period. Students will investigate various themes essential to comprehending Korea, such as Confucianism, modernization, colonialism, nationalism, industrialization, democratization, gender relations, US-Korea relations, and contemporary popular culture. In addition to class lectures, the course utilizes audio-visual materials, films, and slides to enhance the learning experience. No prior knowledge of Korea or Korean language is required.
This course addresses issues related to population health, health care system, and health policies around the world, using tools from empirical and theoretical economics. Specifically, we cover topics such as the demand for health care, supply of health care, unique features of health care markets, socioeconomic disparities in population health outcomes, why people buy health insurance, and health care policies around the world, particularly those of the United States and South Korea. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think critically about the role of the government and public policy in healthcare market. Taught by Jiyoon (June) Kim.
This seminar with Seung-Youn Oh is designed to examine the political, economic, and strategic transformations that have shaped modern East Asia, focusing on China, Japan, and the two Koreas. From ancient tributary systems to contemporary flashpoints, the course will explore the region’s historical foundations and current complexities, with a particular emphasis on how power, politics, and economics have intersected in the formation of East Asian states and their relationships with one another. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and in-class activities, students will engage with key themes that have shaped East Asia’s past and continue to influence its future trajectories. This course aims to equip students with the critical tools necessary to analyze the evolving dynamics of East Asia and their broader implications for global politics.