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B-A-HONS in Korean at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Korean at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi?
This B.A. (Hons.) Korean program at Jawaharlal Nehru University focuses on developing comprehensive proficiency in the Korean language, encompassing speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It delves deep into Korean literature, culture, history, and society, offering a holistic understanding of the country. This program stands out for its rigorous academic approach and strong cultural immersion, directly addressing the growing demand for Korean language experts in India''''s expanding economic and cultural ties with South Korea.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong interest in East Asian languages and cultures, particularly Korean. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into sectors like international relations, translation, tourism, and multinational companies. Individuals aspiring to pursue higher studies in Koreanology or diplomacy will also find this program beneficial, providing a solid foundation in the language and its broader socio-cultural context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as translators, interpreters, content developers, cross-cultural trainers, and tourism guides. Opportunities exist in Korean MNCs in India like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential up to INR 10-15 lakhs or more with experience in specialized roles. This program aligns with global certifications like TOPIK, enhancing professional credibility.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Hangul and Basic Grammar- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent daily time (30-60 minutes) to practice Hangul reading, writing, and pronunciation. Utilize online resources like ''''Talk To Me In Korean'''' and ''''Duolingo'''' for interactive lessons. Focus on solidifying basic sentence structures and core vocabulary to build a strong linguistic foundation for future learning.
Tools & Resources
Talk To Me In Korean, Duolingo, Naver Korean Dictionary
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures efficient progress in intermediate and advanced levels, crucial for accurate communication in professional settings like translation or international business.
Engage in Peer Language Exchange- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with classmates and actively engage in conversation practice. Create a ''''Korean-only'''' environment for short periods daily. Utilize JNU''''s diverse student body to find native or advanced Korean speakers for informal language exchange, fostering real-time communication skills and confidence.
Tools & Resources
JNU Language Exchange Clubs, Study groups, KakaoTalk
Career Connection
Improves conversational fluency and cross-cultural communication, essential for roles in tourism, diplomacy, or client-facing positions with Korean companies.
Immerse in Korean Media for Cultural Context- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly watch Korean dramas, movies, and listen to K-pop with subtitles (initially in English, then Korean). This helps in absorbing natural intonation, common phrases, and gaining insights into Korean customs and social nuances, making language learning more engaging and context-rich.
Tools & Resources
Netflix (with Korean content), YouTube (K-pop, Vlogs), Viki
Career Connection
Develops cultural intelligence, vital for working effectively in a Korean environment and for roles requiring deep cultural understanding, such as content creation or cultural exchange programs.
Intermediate Stage
Participate in Korean Language Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out and participate in university-level or national Korean language speaking and essay writing competitions. This pushes students to refine their language skills under pressure, gain valuable feedback, and benchmark their proficiency against peers, building resilience and enhancing public speaking abilities.
Tools & Resources
Korean Embassy cultural events, JNU SLLCS notices, TOPIK practice tests
Career Connection
Distinguishes your profile for scholarships and job applications, demonstrating advanced proficiency and competitive spirit, especially for roles in international relations or education.
Seek Internships at Korean Organizations in India- (Semester 3-5)
Explore internship opportunities with Korean companies (e.g., Hyundai, Samsung, LG), the Korean Embassy, or organizations like the Korea Cultural Centre India. This provides invaluable practical exposure to the Korean work environment, professional communication, and industry-specific terminology, bridging academic learning with real-world application.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, Company career pages, Korean Embassy websites
Career Connection
Gains direct industry experience, builds professional networks, and significantly improves employability for future full-time roles in Korean MNCs or related fields.
Undertake Advanced Reading and Translation Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond coursework, take on self-directed projects involving translating Korean news articles, short stories, or specific industry documents. Use professional translation tools and seek feedback from professors or advanced learners. This hones specialized vocabulary and improves accuracy and speed in language processing.
Tools & Resources
Naver Papago, Google Translate (for initial understanding), Professional translation forums
Career Connection
Develops expertise in translation and interpreting, opening doors to careers in technical translation, content localization, or as an in-house language specialist.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for TOPIK Advanced Level (Level 5/6)- (Semester 6)
Systematically prepare for the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) Level 5 or 6. Utilize official sample papers, coaching classes, and dedicated study groups. This demonstrates a high level of proficiency recognized globally and is often a prerequisite for jobs and further studies related to Korea.
Tools & Resources
TOPIK Official Website, Online TOPIK mock tests, Korean language institutes
Career Connection
Achieving advanced TOPIK scores significantly enhances employability in multinational corporations, academic institutions, and government roles requiring certified Korean language expertise.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 6)
Attend seminars, workshops, and cultural events organized by the Korean Embassy or JNU''''s Centre for Korean Studies. Actively connect with alumni working in relevant fields through LinkedIn or university events. Networking provides insights into career opportunities, mentorship, and potential job leads.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, JNU Alumni Network, Korea Cultural Centre India events
Career Connection
Builds a crucial professional network that can lead to referrals, job opportunities, and career guidance, especially in niche fields like diplomacy, research, or international business.
Develop a Specialized Portfolio/Project- (Semester 6)
Undertake a capstone project or build a portfolio showcasing advanced Korean skills, such as creating a website in Korean, translating a complex document, or developing a research paper on a specific aspect of Korean culture/politics. This demonstrates practical application and specialized knowledge to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
GitHub (for code/web projects), Online portfolio platforms, Academic research databases
Career Connection
Provides tangible evidence of expertise and initiative, making graduates highly competitive for specialized roles in content creation, research, or project management in India-Korea bilateral projects.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Senior School Certificate (10+2) or equivalent examination with minimum 45% marks. Reservation policies apply as per JNU norms.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRN101 | Basic Korean-I | Core | 4 | Korean alphabet (Hangul), Vowels and Consonants, Reading and Writing Hangul, Basic Pronunciation Rules, Elementary Greetings and Self-introduction |
| KRN102 | Basic Korean-II | Core | 4 | Basic Sentence Structure, Common Phrases for Daily Use, Numbers, Dates and Time Expressions, Simple Dialogue Practice, Elementary Grammar Concepts |
| GE101 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 4 | Student chooses from a basket of options offered by different Centres/Schools within JNU. Specific topics vary based on chosen elective. |
| AECC101 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - I | Ability Enhancement Compulsory | 2 | Student chooses from a basket of options offered by different Centres/Schools within JNU. Specific topics vary based on chosen course (e.g., Environmental Studies, English Communication). |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRN201 | Basic Korean-III | Core | 4 | Intermediate Grammar Structures, Tense, Aspect, and Modifiers, Complex Sentence Formation, Everyday Conversation Scenarios, Vocabulary Expansion Techniques |
| KRN202 | Basic Korean-IV | Core | 4 | Reading Simple Korean Texts, Writing Short Paragraphs and Letters, Listening Comprehension Exercises, Cultural Contexts of Korean Language Use, Role-playing and Dialogue Practice |
| GE201 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 4 | Student chooses from a basket of options offered by different Centres/Schools within JNU. Specific topics vary based on chosen elective. |
| AECC201 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - II | Ability Enhancement Compulsory | 2 | Student chooses from a basket of options offered by different Centres/Schools within JNU. Specific topics vary based on chosen course (e.g., Environmental Studies, English Communication). |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRN301 | Intermediate Korean-I | Core | 4 | Advanced Grammar and Connectives, Understanding Korean Speech Levels, Expressing Opinions and Arguments, Narrating Personal Experiences, Comprehension of Longer Texts |
| KRN302 | Intermediate Korean-II | Core | 4 | Essay Writing in Korean, Formal and Informal Communication Styles, Overview of Korean Society and Culture, Analysis of Korean Media, Group Debating and Discussion |
| GE301 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 4 | Student chooses from a basket of options offered by different Centres/Schools within JNU. Specific topics vary based on chosen elective. |
| AECC301 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - III | Ability Enhancement Compulsory | 2 | Student chooses from a basket of options offered by different Centres/Schools within JNU. Specific topics vary based on chosen course (e.g., Environmental Studies, English Communication). |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRN401 | Intermediate Korean-III | Core | 4 | Reading Contemporary Korean Literature, Analysis of Korean Newspaper Articles, Understanding Official Documents, Translation Practice (Korean to English), Advanced Reading Comprehension |
| KRN402 | Intermediate Korean-IV | Core | 4 | Advanced Listening and Speaking Skills, Introduction to Public Speaking in Korean, Developing Presentation Skills, Overview of Korean History and Geography, Cultural Understanding through Language |
| GE401 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 4 | Student chooses from a basket of options offered by different Centres/Schools within JNU. Specific topics vary based on chosen elective. |
| AECC401 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course - IV | Ability Enhancement Compulsory | 2 | Student chooses from a basket of options offered by different Centres/Schools within JNU. Specific topics vary based on chosen course (e.g., Environmental Studies, English Communication). |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRN501 | Advanced Korean-I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Korean Linguistics, Korean Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Word Formation, Syntax and Sentence Structure, Sociolinguistics of Korean |
| KRN502 | Advanced Korean-II | Core | 4 | Modern Korean Literature, Literary Analysis and Criticism, Critical Reading of Korean Texts, Korean Cultural Studies, Introduction to Korean Film and Media |
| KRN503 | Introduction to Interpreting & Translation | Core | 4 | Principles and Theories of Translation, Interpreting Techniques, Introduction to Consecutive Interpreting, Introduction to Simultaneous Interpreting, Cross-cultural Communication Strategies |
| KRN504 | Advanced Korean Writing Skills | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Academic Essay Writing, Formal Business Communication, Report and Proposal Writing, Creative Writing in Korean, Proofreading and Editing Techniques |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRN601 | Advanced Korean-III | Core | 4 | Classical Korean Literature, Analysis of Historical Korean Texts, Traditional Poetic Forms and Genres, Traditional Korean Culture and Philosophy, Literary Movements in Korea |
| KRN602 | Advanced Korean-IV | Core | 4 | Regional Dialects of Korea, Korean Language Variation, Introduction to Korean Language Teaching Methodology, Current Affairs and Contemporary Issues in Korea, Cross-cultural Communication Challenges |
| KRN603 | Korean Business & Economics | Core | 4 | Overview of Korean Economic History, Korean Business Etiquette, Major Trade Relations and Agreements, Key Global Korean Corporations, Economic Terminology and Concepts |
| KRN604 | Media & Journalism in Korea | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Korean Media Landscape and Structure, News Analysis and Reporting, Role of Social Media in Korea, Broadcast Journalism Basics, Ethical Issues in Korean Media |
