BTS, Blackpink, Squid Game, and Parasite. They are successful Korean entertainers or cultural products. The New York Times has said that Korea has become a cultural juggernaut. With the 10th largest economy, Korea is playing a significant role in international political and economic arenas. Thus, there is a high demand for people who are equipped with Korea language ability and cultural understanding.

The Korean Studies Minor is designed to help students understand Korean culture, society, and people as well as provide language training. Upon completion of the program, students should be able to (1) read, write, and speak fluently; (2) understand key concepts of culture and current affairs in the context of history; and (3) apply their cultural knowledge and language ability in their profession. 

Requirements

The minor in Korean consists of at least 22 credits. The College requires that students complete at least 9 credits of their minor in upper-division (numbered 300 or above) courses in residence at UWM to earn a minor at UWM. The College also requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including any transfer work.

Students entering with no previous Korean language experience should enroll in KOREAN 101. Students entering with previous knowledge of, or high school preparation in, Korean, or transfer students who have studied Korean in other colleges, are assigned to courses on the basis of a departmental placement consultation with the Korean program coordinator. Students placed into a course beyond the 101 level who complete their first course with a grade of at least a B may receive retroactive credits earned at the 200 level or above to a maximum of 16 credits, for the courses leading to the one into which they are placed.

Those who are able to begin their study of Korean by placing into KOREAN 202 or above will take sufficient elective credits, approved by the Korean coordinator, to complete at least 22 credits in the minor with 9 credits at the 300 level or above.

The following (or equivalent or exemption) are required:

Letters & Science Minor Advising

Advising for the minor takes place within the department by a faculty member or staff member. Follow the steps using the "Declare a Minor" button on the department’s website which may include instructions on how to select a faculty advisor if there is more than one to choose from.

Students who already have an L&S college advisor because their degree plan is in L&S can discuss the minor with them as well since they will be familiar with any minor in L&S. Students who are working on a degree from a UWM college other than the College of Letters & Science will not need an L&S college advisor for just a minor and one will not be assigned. These students should work with the faculty or staff advisor they receive as part of the minor declaration process or contact the department directly for assistance.

Applicants who have not started classes at UWM yet who wish to declare a minor should wait until they are registered for their first UWM classes and then can declare the minor using the “Declare a Minor” button on the program’s website. If you have questions about the minor before then, contact let-sci@uwm.edu.