UB, University at Buffalo, State University of New York

• Korean - Minor
• Course Descriptions

You are here: Undergraduate Catalog 2005 - 2006 > Academic Programs > Korean

Department of Linguistics

College of Arts and Sciences
609 Baldy Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1030

Phone: 716.645.2177
Fax: 716.645.3825
Web: http://linguistics.buffalo.edu/Korean/

About the Program

North and South Korea have a combined population of 68 million. Except for a small Chinese minority in South Korea, most of the people are ethnic Koreans, making Korea one of the most homogeneous countries in the world. The Korean language plays an important role in the identity of the Korean people. Korean is spoken in both North and South Korea and is written in Hangul, a phonetic alphabet created in 1446. South Korea has experienced rapid economic growth and development and is considered an Asian economic powerhouse.

The Korean curriculum provides a solid foundation for an understanding and appreciation of the rich culture of Korea. The language and culture courses offered are useful to students who aspire to an East Asia–related academic or professional career in education, government, communications, or business, as well as in other fields in the United States or abroad.
The curriculum of the Korean program includes:
• Courses designed to develop or improve competence in written and spoken Korean through the advanced level
• Courses on Korean culture (taught in English)
• Courses for the advanced study of Korean literature (taught in English)
• Courses that examine Korean business, Korean language teaching, and Korean linguistics

Advisement

The Korean language program offers three years of classroom instruction, from elementary Korean to advanced Korean. There are also courses in literature, culture, linguistics, and business Korean. Students interested in a career that combines Korean and another field may choose a special major in Korean, which can be arranged in consultation with the program coordinator and the undergraduate advising office.

Students with advanced Korean proficiency should consult with the program advisor to arrange an appropriate program.

Practical Experience and Special Opportunities

Serious students of Korean are strongly encouraged to take Korea-related courses across the university curriculum and to study in Korea for a summer, a semester, or full academic year. For study abroad options, see the Study Abroad section or contact the Study Abroad Programs office at (716) 645-3912.

Of interest to students enrolled in Korean language courses is the Asian Studies Program, which offers a major in Asian Studies and a minor in Asian Studies. For information, contact Thomas Burkman, Director, 714 Clemens Hall at (716) 645-3474, or burkman@buffalo.edu.

Career Opportunities/Further Study

The courses offered in the Korean program give students the opportunity to develop advanced skills in a strategic Asian language and to study the people and culture of Korea.

The study of Korean complements the social sciences interdisciplinary programs in international studies and Asian studies, as well as bachelor's degrees in business administration, geography, and international business and world trade. Given Korea's geopolitical importance, its massive and growing economy, and U.S. interest in Korea as a trading partner, the need for large numbers of U.S. citizens who are fluent speakers of Korean and who have knowledge of the culture will continue to grow.