Beginning Korean Language (2)

Course Description

Beginning Korean Language (2) is the continuation of our introductory Korean language series designed for international students participating in the Seoul International Summer School 2018. Building upon the foundational skills acquired in Beginning Korean Language (1), this course focuses on expanding communicative competence in Korean for everyday situations through a balance of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

During this intensive summer program, students will develop intermediate survival Korean skills necessary for daily life in Seoul. The course emphasizes practical language use in authentic contexts, enabling students to navigate various social situations they may encounter during their stay in Korea.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Initiate and maintain conversations about topics beyond basic needs
• Ask for and provide extended information about personal experiences
• Describe past events, future plans, and hypothetical situations
• Read and understand short paragraphs on familiar topics
• Write simple sentences and short paragraphs about personal interests and daily activities
• Demonstrate understanding of key aspects of Korean culture related to language use
• Use appropriate honorifics based on social relationships

Course Schedule

Weekly Themes and Topics

Week	Theme	Grammar Focus
Week 1	Orientation & Review	Honorific system review, basic sentence structures
Week 2	Giving and Following Directions	Location markers, directional expressions
Week 3	Shopping and Daily Activities	Particle usage, polite requests
Week 4	Transportation and Traveling	Time expressions, future and past tense
Week 5	Korean Cuisine and Dining	Describing preferences, making comparisons
Week 6	Review and Final Assessment	All grammar points reviewed

Teaching Methods

This course employs a communicative approach to language teaching, focusing on interactive and student-centered learning. Classes include:

• Interactive speaking activities: Role-plays, pair work, and group discussions
• Listening comprehension: Audio-visual materials featuring authentic Korean speech
• Reading practice: Short passages about Korean culture and daily life
• Writing exercises: Journals, messages, and short paragraphs
• Language lab sessions: Pronunciation practice and listening drills
• Cultural immersion: Field trips to local markets, restaurants, and cultural sites

Assessment Methods

Student performance will be evaluated through the following components:

• Weekly Quizzes: 30% (short vocabulary and grammar checks)
• Speaking Tests: 20% (mid-term and final oral interviews)
• Writing Assignments: 20% (letters, journals, and compositions)
• Class Participation: 15% (active engagement in class activities)
• Final Examination: 15% (comprehensive written test)

Course Materials

Required Textbook: "Integrated Korean: Beginning 2" (2nd Edition) by Lee, et al.

Supplementary Materials: Handouts, audio files, and online resources provided by the instructor.

Digital Resources: Students will have access to the university's online language learning platform, including interactive exercises and additional listening materials.

Language Practice Opportunities

Beyond classroom instruction, this course offers special opportunities for language practice:

• Language Exchange Program: Students will be paired with Korean university students for weekly conversation practice
• Cultural Workshops: Calligraphy, traditional music, and cooking classes that incorporate language learning
• Guided Language Tours: Field trips to historical sites with focused language activities
• Language Cafs: Scheduled conversation sessions in informal settings

Hanja (Chinese Characters) Component

An introduction to basic Hanja characters frequently used in Korean will be incorporated into the curriculum. This component will help students:

• Understand the formation of many Korean words
• Recognize common Sino-Korean vocabulary
• Develop skills in using Hanja dictionaries

No prior knowledge of Chinese characters is required for this component.

Cultural Context

Language learning is inseparable from cultural understanding. Throughout the course, students will explore:

• Appropriate social etiquette and gestures
• Korean honorifics and hierarchical relationships in society
• Traditional and contemporary Korean values
• Regional variations in language use

Tips for Success

To maximize your learning in this intensive course, we recommend:

• Practicing Korean outside classroom hours with your language exchange partner
• Completing all homework assignments thoroughly and on time
• Keeping a daily journal in Korean, even with simple sentences
• Engaging with Korean media (music, dramas, news) appropriate for your level
• Participating actively in all cultural activities and field trips
• Reviewing vocabulary daily using spaced repetition techniques

Student Support

The following support services are available for students:

• Instructor Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00-4:00 PM
• Academic Tutoring: Free one-on-one tutoring sessions available by appointment
• Study Groups: Organized through the International Student Center
• Online Discussion Board: For questions and language practice outside class

Course Policies

• Attendance: Regular attendance is essential. More than three absences will result in a lowered grade.
• Late Work: Assignments submitted late will receive a 10% deduction per day.
• Academic Honesty: All work must be your own. Plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the assignment.
• Make-up Exams: Will only be granted in cases of documented illness or emergency.

Special Summer Events

As part of the Seoul International Summer School program, additional Korean language activities include:

• Namsan Traditional Village Tour: July 10 (during class time)
• Korean Language Contest: July 25 (afternoon)
• End-of-Program Cultural Performance: August 3 (evening)
• Seokchon Lake Language Picnic: July 15 (weekend activity)

Additional Resources

Contact Information

Professor Kim Min-ji
Language Education Building, Room 412
Email: minji.kim@snu.ac.kr
Phone: +82-2-880-1234

Summer School Office:
International Student Center, Room 105
Email: summer2018@snu.ac.kr
Phone: +82-2-880-5678