KU to run 'Korea University Studies' course

KU to run 'Korea University Studies' course

Korea University (KU) reminds people of “Minjok Godae” and “makgeolli” among other things. “Minjok Godae” means “people’s Korea University” and makgeolli is the milky traditional Korean alcoholic drink that has been loved by everyday folk for hundreds of years. The words compose the key elements that conjure up the brand image of KU, the nation’s first university established by Koreans. They may sound a bit outdated but they are the reasons that make its students and graduates proud of their alma mater. It’s also the base on which the school hopes to attain globalization. “I believe all globalization efforts should start from our own tradition. What’s truly Korean can become truly global. Knowing ourselves is very important before pursuing globalization,” KU President Lee Ki-su said in an interview at his office in Seoul. Under his leadership, the school has taken a leap forward in globalization — forming a lot of alliances with top universities and academic organizations around the world, attracting more students from diverse countries, and expanding lectures taught in English. As its globalization drive finds its groove, Lee is moving to give students the opportunity to do some soul-searching regarding their own school. Lee said the school will establish a course for “Korea University Studies” to teach students all about the school, beginning next semester. “Our students must learn about their own school and its founding spirit of ‘save the nation with education,’” Lee said. “Korea University’s frontier spirit has been embodied in various initiatives for more than a hundred years — from fighting for the nation’s independence to its contribution to democratization and industrialization. Some Korean history professors and I will teach students about Korea University’s spirit and culture.” In addition, Lee said the school will pay greater attention to supporting and promoting Korean studies at foreign universities. The school has provided assistance to the Korea Foundation to establish courses for Korean language or Korean studies at universities abroad. It has maintained a close relationship with Tubingen University in Germany. Lee said the school will expand ties with Waseda University of Japan and Peking University to form a “tripartite academic alliance” on Korean and Asian studies. “Korea University will continue to make efforts to promote Korean and Asian studies and foster exchanges with other schools around the world,” Lee said. He said that the G20 summit, to be held in Seoul in November, will also be a good opportunity for schools belonging to the member nations to strengthen exchanges. “Korea University as well as other schools are planning diverse programs ahead of the G20 summit. I hope it will expand to something like a ‘G20 University summit,’” Lee said.

source:Korea Times