This course is a survey of modern and contemporary Korean literature and media culture. In this course, students will be introduced to the majors writers and directors and their works in order to examine the development of Korean literature and cinema from 1905 to the present. Throughout the course, we will be mindful of how these literary and cinematic representations show a complex relationship between Korean culture, history and politics. Of specific interest to us is the question of the canonization and how a text or a film comes to occupy the position of being a "classic". Readings will include both literary works in translation and critical writings on selected topics in Korean literary and film history and theory. All readings are in English and films have English subtitles. Previous coursework in Korean language, literature and history are helpful but not required and will not be assumed.