The Korean War

This course aims to provide both a historical and a sociocultural understanding of the origins, development and impact of the Korean War (1950-1953). Often dubbed “the Forgotten War,” the Korean War was an integral part of the global Cold War. The Korean peninsula became one of the most volatile zones in global politics. In addition to reading standard accounts of the war from the perspective of diplomatic and military history, students will also learn about other aspects of the war through its portrayal in literature, films and photography to come to a fuller understanding of the complexity, nuance and legacy of the Korean War. The course examines the deep historical roots that led to the War, the various states, militaries, media and international organizations that became involved in the conflict and the human experiences that are not often included in political or historical narratives.