North Korea is widely regarded as one of the world's most enigmatic countries, and as a significant security threat in the Northeast Asian region. The Australian and global media depict it as a country of missiles, phalanxes of marching soldiers, all-powerful leaders, and bizarre political ideologies. This course goes beyond the media images to explore the political history, culture and everyday life of North Korea. Drawing upon unparalleled expertise in history, politics, cultural studies and gender politics at the ANU, this course will evaluate key events in North East Asian history to more fully account for the current social and political crisis in North Korea. We will investigate pivotal events of the Cold War in Northeast Asia and consider issues such as changing lifestyles, environmental challenges, the rise of the informal market and migration to and from North Korea, and will end with some reflections on possible futures. As well as conventional sources the course will also make use of North Korean music, literature, and film to give further insight into the country's past, present, and future. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Formulate an understanding of the emergence of the North Korean state and its ideologies. 
2. Develop an understanding of the international history that has shaped North Korean state and society.
3. Understand social and political changes that have taken place since the end of the Cold War. 
4. Evaluate the gender politics of the regime and society.
5. Critically evaluate current issues facing North Korea today. 

Research-Led Teaching

This course draws on interdisciplinary scholarship in Korean studies, history, politics, international relations, gender studies, migration studies, and cultural studies. It connects historical scholarship on the northern region of Korea and the formation of the DPRK with contemporary debates on state power, ideology, social change, humanitarian politics, gender, memory, migration, and regional security.

Students will be encouraged to read academic work critically, compare competing scholarly interpretations, and apply historical and conceptual tools to contemporary issues concerning North Korea.

Examination Material or equipment

Laptop or iPad

Required Resources

Students must have access to:

• Canvas for course materials, assessment submission, announcements, and the final exam quiz. 
• A computer or tablet suitable for online learning and assessment submission. 
• A stable internet connection for Week 1 online live classes. 
• Headphones or a headset for online tutorial participation and presentations. 
• Required and prescribed readings made available through the ANU Library or Canvas reading lists where applicable. 

For the in-person week, students should bring a laptop or tablet to class where possible.

Recommended Resources

List of Preliminary Readings (for Assessment 1):

• Sunjoo Kim, ed., The Northern Region of Korea: History, Identity and Culture. 
• Sandra Fahy, Dying for Rights: Putting North Korea’s Human Rights Abuses on the Record. 
• Suzy Kim, Everyday Life in the North Korean Revolution, 1945–1950. 
• Hyun-ok Park, The Capitalist Unconscious: From Korean Unification to Transnational Korea. 
• Heonik Kwon and Byung-Ho Chung, North Korea: Beyond Charismatic Politics, Rowman & Littlefield, 2012. 

Prescribed Short Texts (for Assessment 2):

• Andre Schmid, "A Melting Border: Surviving on the Margin Between China and North Korea," Literary Review of Canada, January 2015. 
• Kyung Moon Hwang, "From the Dirt to Heaven: Northern Koreans in the Choson and Early Modern Eras," Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, 62(1), June 2002, pp. 135–178. 
• Donald Clark, "The Missionary Presence in North Korea Before World War II," in Sunjoo Kim, ed., The Northern Region of Korea: History, Identity, Culture, Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2010. 
• Suh Dae-Sook, Kim Il Sung: The North Korean Leader, New York: Columbia University Press, 1988, chapters 1 and 2. 
• Ruth Barraclough, "Red Love and Betrayal in the Making of North Korea: Comrade Ho Jong-suk," History Workshop Journal, 77, 2014. 
• Andre Schmid, "My Turn to Speak: Criticism Culture and the Multiple Uses of Class in Postwar North Korea," International Journal of Korean History, 21(2), 2016. 
• Tessa Morris-Suzuki, "Freedom and Homecoming: Narratives of Migration in the Repatriation of Zainichi Koreans to North Korea," in Sonia Ryang, ed., Diaspora without a Homeland, 2009, chapter 2.

Staff Feedback

Students will receive feedback through one or more of the following forms:

• written comments; 
• verbal comments; 
• whole-class feedback; 
• group feedback; 
• individual feedback where appropriate. 

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

North Korea is often represented through the language of crisis, security threat, humanitarian concern, militarisation, and political opacity. This course moves beyond such familiar public images to examine the historical, political, social, and cultural formation of North Korea in a more critical and contextually grounded way.

The course introduces students to the northern region of Korea before the emergence of the North Korean state, the origins of communism in Korea, the international conditions that shaped North Korean state formation, and the social and political transformations that have occurred since the end of the Cold War. It also considers gender, memory, migration, cultural production, everyday life, informal markets, inter-Korean relations, and North Korea’s place in regional and global politics.

Alongside conventional academic sources, the course may draw on film, literature, music, memoir, and other cultural materials to help students engage with North Korea as both a political system and a lived social world. Current developments will be incorporated into lectures and discussions where appropriate, while the core course structure and assessment design remain unchanged.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Welcome and IntroductionThe Northern Region	Participation recorded during tutorial activities
2	Colonial Modernity and the Road to Division	Participation recorded during tutorial activities
3	The Korean War and the Formation of DPRK	Assignment 1: Book Review Essay due by Wednesday 8 July, 23:55. Participation recorded during tutorial activities
4	Soviet Russia and North Korea	Assignment 3: Class Presentations online during tutorial time, 14:00-17:00. Presentation notes/slides for students presenting on this day must be submitted by Wednesday 8 July, 23:55. Participation recorded during tutorial activities
5	North Korean Communist Elites	Assignment 3: Class Presentations online during tutorial time, 14:00-17:00. Presentation notes/slides for students presenting on this day must be submitted by Thursday 9 July, 23:55. Participation recorded during tutorial activities
6	Leaving North Korea	Assignment 2: Research Essay due by Monday 13 July, 23:55. Participation recorded during tutorial activities
7	China and North Korea	Participation recorded during tutorial activities
8	North Korea's Foreign Policy	Participation recorded during tutorial activities. Feedback on Assignment 2: individual feedback on Assignment 2 will be provided in class (on campus) or via Zoom by appointment.
9	Inter-Korean Relations	Participation recorded during tutorial activities. Feedback on Assignment 2: individual feedback on Assignment 2 will be provided in class (on campus) or via Zoom by appointment.
10	The Future of North KoreaCourse Conclusion	Assignment 5: Final Exam, 14:00-16:00 on Friday 17 July 2026 (on campus and online).

Tutorial Registration

For information about tutorials, please see Canvas

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
A1: Book Review Essay (1,000 words)	20 %	08/07/2026	14/07/2026	2,3,4
A2: Research Essay (2,000 words)	30 %	13/07/2026	16/07/2025	1,2,3
A3: Class Presentation	10 %	09/07/2026	14/07/2026	3,4,5
A4: Class Participation	10 %	*	20/07/2026	1,2,3,4,5
A5: Final Exam	30 %	17/07/2026	22/07/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to complete the required readings before class and to come prepared to discuss them. Participation will be recorded throughout the two teaching weeks, from Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July, during tutorial activities.

Participation includes engagement in online live tutorials in Week 1 and in-person tutorial activities in Week 2. Students should contribute to class discussions and group activities in a respectful and scholarly manner. 

Examination(s)

The final exam will take place on Friday 17 July 2026. The exam will open at 2:00pm and close at 4:00pm. Students must complete and submit their responses within this period.

The exam will be based on material covered across the full course, including lectures, tutorial activities, preliminary readings, prescribed short texts, and class discussions.

Assessment Task 1

A1: Book Review Essay (1,000 words)

Before the start of the course, students are required to select one book from the preliminary reading list below for close reading, review, and later discussion in class. The task asks students to demonstrate that they can identify the central argument of a scholarly book, situate it within the study of North Korea or the northern region of Korea, and evaluate its contribution in clear academic prose.

Students should consult the guidance on writing academic book reviews provided on Canvas before beginning this assignment. Students should also come to class prepared to discuss the book they have reviewed and to present their reflections in the class presentation task.

Rubric

80-100	70-79	60-69	50-59	25-49	0-25
Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated	Work is not submitted or submited but not genuine or no relevant qualification level has been demonstrated.

Assessment Task 2

A2: Research Essay (2,000 words)

The research essay asks students to engage closely with one of the prescribed short texts listed below and to place it in conversation with another relevant academic article or book chapter by a different author. Students should identify one or two major research questions in the prescribed text, examine the author’s argument, and then compare it with another scholarly argument that either supports, complicates, or challenges the first.

In the essay, students should formulate their own academically grounded position on the topic. The essay should draw on course materials, class discussions, and independent scholarly reading. It should demonstrate critical thinking, historical understanding, and the capacity to evaluate contemporary issues facing North Korea through appropriate conceptual and historical tools.

Instructions:

1.     Choose and read one of the prescribed short texts listed below. 

2.     Identify one or two main research questions addressed in that text. 

3.     Find another academic article or book chapter written by another author whose argument either supports, complicates, or challenges the first author’s argument. 

4.     Compare and critically evaluate the two arguments. 

5.     In 2,000 words, formulate and defend your own position on the topic, drawing on course material, class discussion, and academic sources. 

Rubric

80-100	70-79	60-69	50-59	25-49	0-25
Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated	Work is not submitted or submited late, or not genuine, or no relevant qualification level has been demonstrated.

Assessment Task 3

A3: Class Presentation

Students will present their Book Review Essay findings online during tutorial time. Presentations should use appropriate professional presentation tools and should clearly introduce the book’s argument, evidence, scholarly contribution, and relevance to the course.

Individual presentations should be approximately 5-10 minutes long. Students should be prepared to answer questions from the lecturer and peers about the book they have read and analysed.

Presentation notes and slides must be submitted one day before the student’s scheduled presentation. Students presenting on Thursday 9 July must submit their notes/slides by Wednesday 8 July, 23:55. Students presenting on Friday 10 July must submit their notes/slides by Thursday 9 July, 23:55.

Assessment criteria:

Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• communicate the book’s central argument clearly; 
• present scholarly material in an organised and engaging manner; 
• connect the book to relevant themes in the course; 
• use presentation materials effectively; 
• respond thoughtfully to questions; 
• demonstrate preparation, professionalism, and time management. 

Rubric

80-100	70-79	60-69	50-59	25-49	0-25
Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated	Work is not submitted or submited late, or not genuine, or no relevant qualification level has been demonstrated.

Assessment Task 4

A4: Class Participation

Class participation will be recorded throughout the two teaching weeks during tutorial activities. Participation will be assessed on the basis of students’ preparation, engagement in class discussions, contribution to online and in-person group activities, and willingness to reflect critically on the readings and course themes. Verbal feedback will be provided to students throughout and prior to Census.

Participation does not require students to speak at length in every class. Rather, students are expected to demonstrate consistent, thoughtful, and respectful engagement with the course. This may include asking questions, responding to peers, contributing to small-group work, engaging in online activities, and bringing relevant observations from the readings into discussion.

Assessment criteria:

Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• engage with tutorial activities; 
• demonstrate preparation through reference to readings and course materials; 
• contribute constructively to discussion; 
• listen and respond respectfully to others; 
• participate in online and in-person group activities; 
• show developing critical understanding across the two-week intensive. 

Rubric

80-100	70-79	60-69	50-59	25-49	0-25
Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated	Work is not submitted or submited late, or not genuine, or no relevant qualification level has been demonstrated.

Assessment Task 5

A5: Final Exam

The final exam will be based on topics covered in Weeks 1 and 2, the preliminary readings, prescribed short texts, lectures, tutorial discussions, and other course materials. The exam will be conducted through Canvas Quiz and will open at 2:00pm and close at 4:00pm on Friday 17 July 2026.

Students will choose two questions and answer them in a maximum of 2,000 words in total. The exam is designed to assess students’ ability to synthesise course material, demonstrate historical and conceptual understanding, and apply critical tools to major issues in the study of North Korea.

Assessment criteria:

Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• answer the selected questions directly and analytically; 
• demonstrate knowledge of key historical developments and course themes; 
• use appropriate examples from lectures, readings, and discussions; 
• develop clear and coherent arguments; 
• show critical understanding rather than descriptive summary alone; 
• write clearly under exam conditions. 

Rubric

80-100	70-79	60-69	50-59	25-49	0-25
Work of exceptional quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of superior quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of good quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work of satisfactory quality, as demonstrated in the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level	Work in which the attainment of learning outcomes at or above the relevant qualification level has not been demonstrated	Work is not submitted or submited late, or not genuine, or no relevant qualification level has been demonstrated.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

All written assessment tasks must be submitted online through Canvas by the stated due date and time.

Hardcopy Submission

Hardcopy submission is not required for this course unless otherwise approved by the Associate Dean or advised by the course convener.

Late Submission

Late submission is not accepted for the final exam. All other late submissions will be penalised by 5% of the maximum score per 24 hours (so if you hand it in late by 1 hour, you lose 5%; if you hand it in 23 hours late, you still lose 5%; if you hand it in 25 hours late, you lose 10%, etc.). Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

The course convener will make every reasonable effort to return assessment results and feedback within the dates indicated in the assessment summary. Marks released during the teaching period are provisional until formally approved through the relevant College examination processes.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission is not available unless required or approved under ANU policy.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students