The Korean peninsula experienced massive human rights abuses during the Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910 until the end of World War II in 1945. Of course, the horrific cost of war only intensified on the peninsula during the Korean War (1950-1953). This course will examine aspects of this history and will explore matters related to ethics and human rights connected to these wars. We will also examine the practice of torture and will visit sites in which it took place. We will explore whether torture is always wrong and familiarize ourselves with the international human rights paradigm and its condemnation of gross human rights abuses. In the final section of the course, we will look at contemporary issues related to human rights, including a look at the fight for rights of LGBTQ persons and those with disabilities.
We will visit a few sites of interest that connect to our course, including a trip to the Demilitarized Zone and Seodaemun Prison, which is now a museum dedicated to those imprisoned during the Japanese occupation. In addition, we plan to meet with representatives from both LGBTQ and disability rights organizations to discuss the current challenges that both movements are facing.
Program Dates: May 18, 2025 - June 7, 2025
Program Highlights
- IDS-224. Human Rights and the Korea Experience
- 4 credits
- Core requirements: GN, O, LINQ, and XLP
Faculty leaders:
- Dr. Christian Rice
- Dr. Kelly Sorensen
Total cost: $5,500
✓ Tuition/Class instruction and guest speakers
✓ Transportation
✓ Meals
✓ Housing
✓ Excursions
✓ Insurance
✓ Orientation
Not included:
✓ Passport
✓ Textbooks/course supplies
✓ Personal spending
Financial Aid
- Espadas and Neborak Fund
- Gilman Scholarship
- FEA Fund
- Rotary Club
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 15th by 11:59 PM