SNUx: International Politics in the Korean Peninsula, Part 1

Course Description

"International Politics in the Korean Peninsula" is an engaging and comprehensive introductory course offered by SNUx that delves into the complex world of inter-Korean relations and North Korean politics. This course, presented in Korean with English subtitles, provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating dynamics of international politics through the lens of the Korean Peninsula.

The course begins by examining two powerful case studies that illustrate the potential tragedies resulting from political decisions: the hyperinflation in Zimbabwe and political idolization in North Korea. These examples serve as a compelling introduction to the importance of studying politics and its real-world consequences.

What Students Will Learn

• Understanding of key archetypes in politics, including value creation and distribution, conflict and cooperation among political entities, development and maintenance of political identity, and leadership selection processes.
• In-depth knowledge of contemporary issues in inter-Korean politics and North Korean political events.
• Analysis of historical texts and their relevance to modern political scenarios.
• Insight into the Korean Crisis of 2012, the ongoing arms race between North and South Korea, and power succession in North Korea.
• Comprehension of North Korea's simultaneous nuclear and economic build-up strategy.
• Skills in applying political theory to real-world situations and current events.

Pre-requisites

This course is designed for beginners and does not require any specific prerequisites. However, a basic interest in international relations, politics, or Korean studies would be beneficial. English language proficiency is necessary to understand the subtitles, discussions, quizzes, and other course content.

Course Content

• Introduction to political tragedies and their importance in studying politics
• Four archetypes of politics derived from ancient texts
• Value creation and distribution in political entities
• Conflict and cooperation among political entities
• Development and maintenance of political identity
• Leadership selection processes
• Contemporary issues in inter-Korean politics
• The Korean Crisis of 2012
• Arms race between North and South Korea
• Power succession in North Korea
• North Korea's simultaneous nuclear and economic build-up strategy
• Upcoming political events in the Korean Peninsula

Who This Course Is For

• Students of political science, international relations, or Asian studies
• Professionals working in diplomacy, foreign policy, or international organizations
• Individuals interested in understanding the complex dynamics of the Korean Peninsula
• Anyone seeking to broaden their knowledge of global politics and its regional manifestations

Real-World Applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course can be applied in various real-world scenarios:

1. Analyzing and interpreting current events in the Korean Peninsula and East Asia
2. Developing informed opinions on international policy decisions related to North and South Korea
3. Enhancing critical thinking skills when evaluating political situations and their potential outcomes
4. Applying political archetypes to understand power dynamics in various contexts, from local politics to global affairs
5. Improving cross-cultural understanding and communication skills, particularly in East Asian contexts
6. Developing a foundation for further studies or career paths in international relations, diplomacy, or political analysis

By offering a unique blend of historical context and contemporary issues, "International Politics in the Korean Peninsula" equips students with valuable insights and analytical tools to navigate the complex world of international politics, with a specific focus on one of the most geopolitically significant regions in the world.