In Search for the Origins of Korean Philosophy

Overview

This course will give you an insight into the formative years of “Korean” culture and thought and uncover together who were the earliest people we could describe as being “Korean.” Korea is unique, but not of a single origin. Through this course, you will rediscover “Korea” today as a unique linguistic-cultural continuum. And from this, you may gain a deeper understanding of yourself by acknowledging the various factors that have influenced you to form your mature identity.

Syllabus

Philosophizing through Primary Sources

This week, we will learn about the earliest written sources describing Koreans and through reading between the lines we glean insight into what those texts imply. We will also learn about ‘name, language, and religion’, and the importance of those terms in constructing an identity.

Korean Identity through the Names Called by Others

This week, we go more in depth about the importance of names. These names could be self-referential or a name someone else calls you and each hold meaning and implications that both aid in forming an identity.

Korean Language and Korean Thought

This week, we go into detail about the intriguing difference between the early written language Koreans used (prior to Hangeul) and spoken Korean language. The gap between these two modes of communication as well as the gap between Hanja (Korea's version of Chinese Characters) and Classical Chinese is lectured on in detail.

Before Confucianism and Buddhism Introduced

This week, we will explore ancient Korean religion and culture prior to the entrance of the Three Teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism). To do so we will look at myths, archeology, and keep in mind Chinese records which discuss Korean culture and religion.

Confucianism and Buddhism Introduced into Korea

This week, keeping in mind the foundation of the prior weeks we will study how Korean thought and culture changed after accepting the Three Teachings. We will place special interest on how these teachings were transformed over time by Koreans into what we can call today ‘Korean Confucianism’ and ‘Korean Buddhism’.

Development of Korean Spirituality through Buddhism

This week, we learn and think about how the history covered in this course shaped and was shaped by Korean culture. We will place special interest on buddhist contributions to Korean spirituality and the intellectual landscape of Korea.