Korean FAQ

I. Registration and Korean Minor

How do I know which Korean language class to sign up for?

If you have no prior knowledge of Korean, you need to register for Korean 0001 in the fall semester. If you have been exposed to the Korean language informally at home or formally in high school, you are required to take a Korean language placement test. The Korean program coordinator will tell you which level to sign up for after you take the Korean language placement test.

Can non-Pitt students take Korean language class for credit?

Yes. Korean language classes are open for non-Pitt students if your university allows cross-registration with the University of Pittsburgh.

Can I sit in a Korean language class?

Yes.  If you register for a course as an audit student. Otherwise, no.

Can I register/attend only lecture classes?

No. You should register for and attend both lecture and recitation classes.

Can I take Korean language classes “credit/no credit” rather than for a letter grade?

Yes.  You have an option to take the class "credit/no credit."

Can I start Korean in the spring semester?

Yes.  But only if you're placed in a spring course.

Do you offer summer courses in Korean?

No.  We do not offer Korean courses during the summer.

Can I take Korean language if I am a graduate student?

Yes.  Graduate students may take Korean language. You will need a special permission number because of the "career".  Contact the department at 412-624-5568.

Is it possible to do an independent study in Korean?

Yes.  But it requires consent of the instructor and a special permission number.

If I have studied Korean in Korea, can I skip a semester or year at Pitt?

Yes.  As long as the result of the placement test is satisfactory and your ability matches the level of one of the classes.

Which courses should I take to earn a minor in Korean?

See Korean Minor requirements.

Where can I go to find more information about Pitt’s Korean Language Program?

Come and visit us! We are on the 27th floor of the Cathedral. You can find more information about us in Pitt’s Undergraduate Bulletin or e-mail the Coordinator of the Korean Language Program Mi-Hyun Kim.

II. Korean Courses

What are the levels of the Korean courses?

KOREAN 0001 and KOREAN 0002 are beginning levels. KOREAN 0003 and KOREAN 0004 is second-year level. KOREAN 0005 and KOREAN 0006 is third-year level. The fourth year sequence is KOREAN 1050 and 1051. Please visit Korean Courses for more information on the courses.

What is the difference between lecture and recitation classes?

All Korean language classes are divided into Lecture and Recitation class. You are required to register and attend both of them. In Lecture classes you will receive information on grammar and language use. Recitation classes will provide opportunities to speak the language in many essential daily life situations. Recitation classes are conducted strictly in Korean.

Does the EALL offer non-language classes that relate to Korea?

Yes.  Below is the list of non-language classes. These classes are not available in every academic year. You need to check the availability in every semester. For more information about the courses, please visit Korean Courses. KOREAN 0007 Introduction to Korean Culture and Civilization (3 cr.), KOREAN 0070 World of Korea (3 cr.), KOREAN 0075 Introduction to Korea through Film (3 cr.), KOREAN 0084 Introduction to Modern Korean Literature (3 cr.), KOREAN 1023 Aspects of the Korean Language (3 cr.), and KOREAN 1060 Language and Society in Korea (3 cr.)

What language textbook is used?

The Department use the Klear Textbook Series at all levels.

What is the teaching style?

The classes are taught by integrated method including speaking, listening, reading, writing, and culture. The first three years put focus on conducting daily conversation whereas the fourth year has more time for reading, writing, and discussing abstract topics.

How often does language class meet?

From First year to Third year Korean classes, class meets five times a week, two for lecture and three for recitation. Lecture classes are 50 minutes and recitation classes are 50 minutes. Fourth year class meets thre times a week with 50 minute lectures

What is expected of students during lecture class?

You must come to class having read and understood the assigned section in the textbooks. The teacher will give important grammatical and sociolinguistic information, facts about Korean culture and society, time for your questions about either language or culture, and quizzes. These classes are conducted in both English and Korean and you may also ask questions in English.

What is expected of students during practice (recitation) class?

This gives you a chance to put what you learned in lecture class into practice by speaking with a native speaker of Korean. You will act out situations in the textbook and practice expanding on them to deal with new situations using learned grammar and vocabulary. Recitation is conducted strictly in Korean.

How much time would I need to dedicate to the study of Korean?

As much as you can, but, to do well, you cannot probably go with less than 1 1/2 hours a day, if you are an average foreign language learner.

III. Scholarship and Study Abroad Programs

Is there a study abroad program?

Currently we have three exchange programs with Korea University, Seoul National University, and Yonsei University. Other types of study abroad programs also exist. The credits you earn there usually transfer back without any trouble. For more information, contact the Study Abroad Office.

Is there any scholarship for a study abroad program funded by the University of Pittsburgh?

The Asian Studies Center provides scholarships to those who are studying Korean.

IV. Language and Culture Related Activities

Is there a way to meet other students of Korean or native speakers of Korean on a regular basis at Pitt?

Yes, we have a language exchange program with Korean students who are studying English at the English Language Institute of the University of Pittsburgh.

Are there any educational/cultural activities for Korean?

The EALL Department organizes a number of activities for Korean such as lectures, film series, etc. during the academic year. Also, student organizations such as the Korean Culture Association, Korean Students Association, and Korean Conversation Club are conducting many activities throughout the term.