Final Exam (Korea Since 1700, Spring 2010)

Final Exam Essays Due Noon, May 12

30% of the course grade (undergrad)/20% of course grade (grad)

The test will consist of two essays, equal in value, which you will choose from the following list:

  1. Hyung-Gu Lynn (58-61) describes four “possible starting points for the story of Korea’s [modern] economic development.” (59) Evaluate his discussion of each, strengths and weaknesses, and explain the political and historical consequences of each narrative.
  2. Hyung-Gu Lynn consistently downplays the role of Confucianism in recent and contemporary Korean society and politics. Why does he take this position when Korea’s premodern culture was so thoroughly infused with Neo-Confucian ideas and intellectual methods? What replaces Confucianism as the dominant theme in Korean culture? Do you agree that Confucianism is no longer a significant factor in understanding Korean politics or social history?
  3. At what point does colonial control of Korea become inevitable? At what point does Japanese colonial control of Korea become inevitable? How much control and influence do Koreans — both in and out of government — have within this process?
  4. Either:
    1. Write a short history of US-Korean relations, focusing in particular on the extent to which US interest in and policy towards Korea is based on Korea itself or on issues external to Korea. To what extent, and when, do Korean feelings about the US actually matter in the relationship?
    2. Write a short history of Sino-Korean relations, focusing in particular on the extent to which Chinese interest in and policy towards Korea is based on Korea itself or on issues external to Korea. To what extent, and when, do Korean feelings about China actually matter in the relationship?
  5. “Even without US and Soviet interference, Korea would have had a post-colonial civil war, and it probably would have resulted in a divided nation.” Do you agree? Why, or why not? Discuss concretely.
  6. Compare and contrast the history of Christianity and Tonghak/Ch’on-dogyo in Korea. Which history is more central to the overall history of Korea since 1700? Note that it’s not enough to argue that one or the other is important: the question is which one is more important and why?

Both Essays are due in class at beginning of in-class final

There will be no extensions or late papers accepted
except in cases of documented medical emergency.

This test covers the entire semester: textbooks, documents, and lectures.

  • This is a take-home assignment, so I am expecting two real essays, with introductions, thesis statements, paragraphs, conclusions, etc.
  • Don’t assume that “an answer” will be easily found in one section of one book. These essays require broad knowledge and analytical thinking.
  • Be concrete: evidence is always more convincing than generalization or simple logic.

You may think of it as two essays each worth about 15% of your course grade; that’s certainly how I calculate it.

  • The grade is based primarily on the strength of your argument as an answer to the question: thesis, evidence (completeness and handling), logic.
  • Polished prose is not required, but basic courtesies like correct spelling and writing in grammatical standard English will be expected.
  • Clarity is crucial; structure is essential to a clear and effective argument.

Citations and Plagiarism

  • failure to acknowledge the source of your ideas or information is unacceptable. Plagiarism will result in no credit for the exam. Poor paraphrasing and poor citation will be penalized.
  • A Works Cited or Bibliography page is not required unless you use sources outside of the course readings and lectures. You must cite the source of information and ideas that are outside of “general knowledge,” including information from course texts.
    • Undergraduates: Format of the notes is up to you: footnotes, endnotes, parenthetical citations; any format will be fine as long as it is used consistently and it clearly identifies the source and page of your information.
    • Graduate Students: Chicago Manual of Style History citations in footnotes or endnotes are required.
  • These questions can be answered more than adequately with reference to assigned readings and lectures. You are welcome to do more research and include outside sources if necessary, but you must be sure that they are relevant and of sufficient quality to enhance your argument. Using outside sources instead of course materials will result in penalties.

Technical Details

  • Make sure that your name, section, e-mail address and the question are clearly indicated at the beginning of each essay, and that each essay begins on a fresh page. Title pages are not required.
  • There is neither a minimum nor a maximum length for these essays, but I would be surprised if you could answer any of them in less than 1000 words or needed more than 2500.
  • Double-spacing and title pages are not required, but readable type and font are.
  • Both Essays are due in class at the time of the Final Exam: Noon, 12 May. There will be no extensions or late papers accepted except in cases of documented medical emergency. Emailed files will only be accepted as proof of completion; printed essays must be delivered no later than 4pm Thursday, and must be identical to the emailed files.