Requirements: Korean Studies

The MA degree in EALL with a specialization in Korean literature, film and culture requires successful completion of a minimum of twelve graduate-level courses (at least four credits each). These courses must be chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser.

Twelve Courses related to the fields of Korean Studies:

1. Three courses in the Korean sector
2. Four Korea-related courses, which may be taught outside of the East Asian Languages and Literatures
3. Electives (Five courses)—five advisor approved EALL courses

In addition to completion of the required courses, students must pass a comprehensive examination at the end of study or write and defend a MA thesis.

Option 1: MA Comprehensive Exam
Students who choose to take a comprehensive exam must successfully pass a two-part written examination based on a reading list of:

1. Korean literature and/or film, which should provide comprehensive coverage of major periods, writers, and genres of Korean literature and/or film. Approximately 20 works. The student’s advisor will provide a model reading list.
2. General theory and criticism, based on student’s specialized area, which can be outside of the Korean studies. Approximately 10 works.
3. A specialized area of the student’s own choosing. Approximately 10 works

The first part of the exam shall include questions pertaining to broad issues in the field of Korean literature and/or film deriving from section one of the students’ reading list. The second part of the exam, to be administered a week later, shall cover more specialized questions deriving from sections two and three of the student’s reading list. The student shall have forty-eight hours for each part to produce the final typed, double spaced exams of approximately 10-12 pages each.

Option 2: MA Thesis

Students who elect to write a thesis must register for 9 credits of Thesis (KRN 503).

1) Two terms before graduation, meet with advisor during the first week of term to set up a two member committee and a schedule for submitting thesis or project drafts (i.e. first week of winter term if planning to graduate spring term).

2) At least six weeks before the date of the thesis or project defense, submit a draft to main advisor for approval. The advisor is expected to return comments within two weeks. There will then be a continuing dialogue between the student and advisor until the manuscript is considered complete.

If approval is not obtained at this point, there is no guarantee that the student will be able to graduate that term.

3) Submit a clean copy of thesis or project to advisor and committee members either two weeks before defense or four weeks before filing date for approved thesis as published by Graduate School.