August 4–8, 2008

Twenty-seven metro New York teachers attended an intensive, five-day course on Korean history, culture, geography, religion, language and literature at The Korea Society beginning Monday, August 4. Offered in conjunction with the New York City Department of Education, the goal of this in-service course was to expose educators to Korean Studies and provide them with a framework for bringing it into the classroom. With several millennia of history to cover in a short course, the teachers participated in a challenging schedule of lectures and workshops. Charles Armstrong, director of the Center for Korean Research at Columbia University, presented a rich overview of Korean history. John Goulde, director of the Asian studies program at Sweet Briar College, explained the religious and philosophical beliefs that shaped modern Koreans' worldview. Shin-hark Suk, a former Korean-language instructor at Queens Community College and The Korea Society, introduced the teachers to written and spoken Korean. Evans J.R. Revere, president of The Korea Society, spoke about Korea's division, its role in the Cold War and current inter-Korean politics. Teachers could also draw on the experience and knowledge of Mark Peterson, professor of Korean studies at Brigham Young University; Marjorie Bingham, an emeritus professor of history at Hamline University; Gail Ludwig, professor of geography at the University of Missouri-Columbia; Patricia Rosof, retired social studies teacher from Hunter College High School; and Daniel Levine, an educational technology consultant at The Korea Society; who made presentations and answered questions.

Between lectures, participants immersed themselves in Korean culture by watching two outstanding Korean films, The Way Home and Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring, and enjoying a traditional Korean lunch. Korea for Beginners earned plaudits from participants, many of whom were surprised to learn about the prominent role outside powers have played in Korea's modern history. Many also found the Korean language lessons particularly engaging. One enthusiast commented, "The instructors and everybody at The Korea Society took very good care of us. They treated us like professionals, and made sure we were comfortable in every respect....This is among the best courses I have taken for P-credits."