The Department of East Asian Studies has been offering Korean language courses since the fall of 2018. The Korean language program offers six courses ranging from elementary level (KOR 101 and 102) to advanced level (KOR 401 and 402).
Faculty
Professor Jieun Ryu, an applied linguist specializing in language pedagogy and technology-enhanced language learning. She serves as the Director of the Korean Language Program at the University of Arizona.
Instructor Sojung Chun joined the program after completing her M.A. at the University of Manchester and teaching Korean at TUSD schools as well as at the UA Critical Language Program for seven years.
Together, they oversee a staff of Graduate Assistants in Teaching (GATs).
Language Testing
For complete information, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and registration links, please refer to the language testing information page.
Placement Exam: Prior to enrolling in Korean language classes, students may need to take a placement exam to assess their proficiency level. These exams are conducted during the week preceding the start of each semester.
Proficiency Exam: The Korean Language program provides proficiency tests in Korean, allowing students to fulfill their foreign language requirement instead of enrolling in classes. These tests take place during the week preceding the start of each semester.
Korean Conversation Table
Every week, Korean language learners gather at the Learning Services Building for the Korean Conversation Table to practice their speaking skills. This is a relaxed, stress-free environment where students can practice speaking Korean with peers and native speakers outside the classroom. From time to time, participants will also have the chance to engage in cultural activities. For more information, contact east-asian-studies@arizona.edu.
Classes
KOR 101 - Elementary Korean I
This course focuses on beginning conversation, grammar, reading, and writing in modern Korean.
KOR 102 - Elementary Korean II
Continuing from Elementary Korean I, this course covers beginning conversation, grammar, reading, and writing in modern Korean. Students who did not take a University of Arizona Korean class in the previous semester must undergo a placement test.
KOR 201 - Intermediate Korean I
In this course, students develop intermediate-level conversation, grammar, reading, and writing skills in modern Korean. Students who did not take a University of Arizona Korean class in the previous semester must take a placement exam.
KOR 202 - Intermediate Korean II
Building on Intermediate Korean I, this course focuses on intermediate conversation, grammar, reading, and writing in modern Korean. Students who did not take a University of Arizona Korean class in the previous semester must take a placement exam.
KOR 301 - Advanced-intermediate Korean I
This course emphasizes advanced-intermediate conversation, grammar, reading, and writing in modern Korean. Students who did not take a University of Arizona Korean class in the previous semester must take a placement exam.
KOR 302 - Advanced-intermediate Korean II
Continuing from Advanced-Intermediate Korean I, this course further develops advanced-intermediate conversation, grammar, reading, and writing skills in modern Korean. Students who did not take a University of Arizona Korean class in the previous semester must take a placement exam.
KOR 401 - Advanced Korean Language Study I
This course delves deeper into the intricacies of the Korean language, focusing on advanced grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances. Students who did not take a University of Arizona Korean class in the previous semester must take a placement exam.
KOR 402 - Advanced Korean Language Study II
This is the second half of the advanced Korean course, where the exploration of the complexities of the Korean language continues. Advanced grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances will be covered in this course. Students who did not take a University of Arizona Korean class in the previous semester must take a placement exam.
Student Projects Showcase
Beyond their regular coursework, the Korean Language Program students showcase their skills through creative projects. Check out their work!