No matter what the reason — you want to sing along with your favorite K-pop bands; you would like to watch Korean movies or numerous TV shows without subtitles; you want to talk with your Korean friends or family; you would like to travel or work in Korea; you are a huge fan of Korean BBQ ; or you would just like to learn a new language — Korean classes at USC Dornsife can help you achieve your goal. Located near the center of the biggest Korean community outside of Korea, the Korean language program at USC Dornsife aims to construct a strong foundation for students who intend to pursue academic research or careers involving Korean language and culture by emphasizing communication and content-based learning.
Learning materials not only include the language itself, but also literature, history, popular culture and mass media. Students can develop linguistic and cultural competence in a four-year Korean language program in a small group learning environment by developing their own interests into projects using the language. In addition, the study-abroad program can enhance opportunities for students to use the language in an immersed environment and to enrich their cultural understanding of Korea.
The Major
The Minor
Courses
For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes. Course availability is subject to change, and non-language courses offered by the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures are not included.
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EALC 115: Korean I
This course introduces the fundamentals of standard Korean in all four levels of communication (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). The course provides practice in basic Korean conversations as well as fundamental grammar.
EALC 117: Korean II
Continuation of EALC 115. This course focuses on basic conversation, reading, writing as well as grammar. Students will be prepared to make basic transactions.
EALC 215: Korean III
This course deals with four areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will learn more complex structures and useful expressions.
EALC 217: Korean IV
Continuation of EALC 215. This course deals with four areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will learn to make daily transactions in Korean and be prepared to describe and narrate personal surroundings and events.
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EALC 315: Advanced Korean I
Advanced reading in modern Korean materials, integrating conversation, composition, and some translation. Students will be prepared to discuss topics related to local/global communities as well as personal experiences.
Prerequisite: EALC 217 or equivalent
EALC 317: Advanced Korean II
Continuation of EALC 315. Conversation, reading, and writing with the use of advanced linguistic constructs. Students will be prepared to discuss topics related to local/global communities as well as personal experiences.
Prerequisite: EALC 315 or equivalent
EALC 415: Advanced Korean III
Selected modern Koran readings in various literary and non-fiction genres; integrated multimedia resources; focus on developing reading and translation skills.
Prerequisite: EALC 317 or equivalent.
EALC 417: Advanced Korean IV
Continuation of EALC 415. Selected readings in Korean texts written in mixed script from newspapers, magazines, and other journalistic publications; a systematic study of complex vocabulary and translation of text.
Prerequisite: EALC 415 or equivalent
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EALC 418: Korean Writing in Mixed Script
Selected readings in Korean texts written in mixed script; a systematic studey of Chinese characters and translation of text.
Prerequisite: EALC 217 or equivalent
EALC 419: Newspaper and Documentary Korean
Selected readings from newspapers, magazines, and other journalistic publications; analysis of styles and practice writing articles.
Prerequisite: EALC 217 or equivalent
Study Abroad
Seoul- South Korea
Yonsei University, ranked among Korea’s top universities, is the oldest university in the country, with an enrollment of 30,000 students, over 5,000 of whom are international students. Study abroad students take East Asian area studies courses offered by the Office of International Affairs and Korean language courses offered by the Korean Language Institute. They also have access to courses at the Underwood International College and some of the courses in regular academic departments that are taught in English.
Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures
Explore engagement opportunities, panels, workshops, updates and more on the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures website.
More Information on the USC Korean Language Program
Learn more in-depth information about language study, study abroad, language learning tips and more on the Korean Language Program page.
News and Events
Learn more about Korean language events, educational opportunities, and cultural enrichment!
Contact Information
Co-Directors of the Korean Language Program
Yuka Kumagai
kumagai@usc.edu
Yi-Hsien Liu
yihsienl@usc.edu