There are currently no online programs for
studying the Korean language, nor is Korean commonly offered as a
standalone degree major by a traditional college or university. However,
some schools do offer supplemental online resources for those learning
Korean as part of their East Asian studies or language and culture
degree programs. Elementary through post-advanced coursework material is
available.
Overview of Korean Language Programs and Courses
Typically, East Asian studies and language and culture programs are
offered as bachelor's degrees, although in some instances the student
can pursue a master's degree or doctorate in the subject. Korean, like
many languages, is typically taught according to level of difficulty.
Students with no former training begin at the basic or elementary level;
as their understanding of the language increases, so does the
complexity of the coursework. Those who successfully finish fourth or
fifth year classes should be fully fluent in speaking, reading and
writing Korean.
Bachelor's degrees in East Asian studies and similar language and
culture programs typically take four years to complete; master's degrees
generally require two years of full-time study. Other Korean language
classes are offered online as part of a non-degree option, which allow
students to study at their own pace. Students need a computer and
Internet connection to access online components, which can include
online lessons that utilize text, audio and graphics to help students
become fluent in the Korean language. Resources that discuss Korean
language, culture,
art, history and philosophy may also be made available to interested students.
Common Course Descriptions
Korean language courses are offered at multiple levels of difficulty
and generally require students to complete courses in consecutive order.
Elementary Korean Course
Also referred to as 'first-year Korean', this course is designed for
those who have no prior background in the language. Students learn to
read and write Hangul, the native Korean alphabet, and begin lessons in
basic grammar and vocabulary. Towards the end of the course, curriculum
focuses more on listening comprehension and conversational skills.
This second-year course builds upon the writing, reading, listening
and speaking skills attained during the elementary course. Students
learn new words and expressions and develop an improved understanding of
the language as a whole. Towards the completion of the course, students
are expected to verbally engage in a lengthy dialogue with others on a
variety of subject matters.
Advanced Korean Course
Students should have a solid comprehension of the Korean language
prior to the start of the course. Advanced skills in speaking, reading,
writing and listening are taught, with frequent exercises provided in
each. At the end of the course, students should be nearly fully fluent
in all aspects of the Korean language, able to talk at length,
expressing thoughts and feelings on nearly any given topic.
Fourth/Fifth Year Korean Course
Various Korean writing styles and genres are the primary focus of
this course; students read and interpret everything from native Korean
newspaper clippings to novels. Cultural and societal topics are also
introduced. Successful completion of the course should elevate the
student's understanding of the language to approximately the same level
as that of a native Korean-speaking adult.
Career Statistics
Graduates may have the option to become Korean language translators
or interpreters, leading to employment in a number of different fields
or industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
interpreters and translators held about 50,900 jobs in 2008. Also
reported by the BLS, the median hourly wage was $38,850 in May 2008,
though salaries vary widely. Earnings depend on a number of factors,
including skill level, education and experience, as well as the overall
demand for interpreters or translators in the given language (
www.bls.gov).
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