Korean level 1

Yeosu South Korea

A beginner’s introduction to the Korean language and culture

Module details

  • Offered to 1st & 2nd Years
  • Monday or Tuesday 16.00-18.00 (depending on year of study)
  • Planned delivery: On campus (South Kensington)
  • 2 term module worth 7.5 ECTS
  • Not available as part of I-Explore
  • Extra Credit or Degree Credit where your department allows
Degree credit module options by departmentHow to enrol

This module aims to: 

  • Give students with no previous knowledge of Korean an introduction to the language as it is spoken in South Korea
  • Develop all the fundamental language skills, i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking, with a special emphasis on the inculcation of correct pronunciation
  • Offer students an insight into the history and culture of Korea.

To be eligible for this module you need to have no previous experience in learning Korean. 

Please note: The information on this module description is indicative. The module may undergo minor modifications before the start of next academic year. 

Information blocks

Traditional Korean architecture of Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul

By the end of this module, you will be able to:
 
  • respond to and produce a basic range of spoken language in very familiar contexts applying their knowledge of A1 grammar and vocabulary; 
  • respond to and produce very simple written texts applying their knowledge of A1 grammar and vocabulary;
  • demonstrate intercultural awareness in the handling of everyday social interactions in Korean;
  • engage with a basic range of digital language learning tools to support their production. 

Seoul

Basic linguistic structures to include:

  • action verbs;
  • negation;
  • verb conjugations;
  • possessives;
  • modal verbs;
  • numbers and counters;
  • interrogative questions;
  • subject markers ga and I;
  • object markers ul and lul;
  • prepositions.

Topics include:

  • greetings;
  • nationalities;
  • likes and dislikes;
  • jobs and occupations;
  • telling the time;
  • the days of the week, months of the year and dates;
  • expressing desires;
  • transportation.

 

In line with MFL communicative and active learning methodology, in-class activities cover all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and include: Pair work and group work (dialogue practice, information gap exercises, discussion and collection of key terms/ideas followed by report to plenum), individual tasks (face-to-face and online); discovery and formulation of rules; work with texts, audio and video material to develop learning and communicative skills. Homework and coursework tasks give you the opportunity to revise and consolidate knowledge and skills and to develop awareness of how to use language learning tools independently. This approach not only ensures you engage with a wide range of tasks, but also supports different learning styles.

All coursework assignments will be marked and returned to you within 2 weeks. Marking criteria and revision guidance (how to guides) will be included as needed with each assignment to ensure that learners are aware of all expectations. Detailed feedback will be provided for each individual section of every coursework assignment. Feedback will detail the correct answer(s) along with suggestions for improvement. In addition to the points awarded for each assignment, an overall percentage grade will be given. Generic feedback on coursework will also be given during class.

  • Coursework (20%): Reading Comprehension, Integrated Grammar & Simple Writing (100 words).
  • Examination (20%): 1 hour written examination including grammar, reading and guided writing (approx 80 words).
  • Coursework (20%): Listening & comprehension, pre-recorded oral presentation (2 minutes).
  • Examination (20%): 1 hour written examination including: grammar/vocabulary/ reading/writing (100 words).
  • Practical (20%): Oral exam including presentation and unprepared dialogue (approx. 10-12 minutes).

 

  • 7.5 ECTS points awarded on successful completion of the module.
  • Available to take for credit towards your degree where your department allows. Also available for extra-credit.
  • You must be prepared to attend all classes and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.

Module Materials: 

Cho, Y. et al (2010) Integrated Korean Textbook; Beginning 1 (2nd ed.), University of Hawai’i Press, US ISBN 978-0-8248-3440-1 

Park, M. et al (2010) Integrated Korean Workbook; Beginning 1 (2nd ed.), University of Hawai’i Press, US ISBN 978-0-8248-3450-0

The module is supported by additional materials