Research Article
Higher Education for Southeast Asian Studies in Korea: Realities and Challenges
1 서강대학교 동아연구소
Published: January 2021 · Vol. 80, No. 0 · pp. 1-32
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33334/sieas.2021.40.1.1
Full Text
Abstract
Southeast Asian studies education is in the best period in Korean history due to the government's New Southern Policy, but it is still underdeveloped. It is still scarce in terms of opening majors and subjects and is limited to some cities. If there is no change in social perception through deepening and spreading education related to Southeast Asia, the New Southern Policy will not be effective. From the national universities, which have the effect of regional diffusion, the establishment of departments, majors or courses related to Southeast Asian studies, and innovation in Southeast Asian language education should be initiated. National universities with little flexibility in capacity need to consider the detour of the creation of interdisciplinary program for undergraduate majors and graduate schools. Interdisciplinary graduate course could be created through an online-based linkage between universities. In order to effectively implement Southeast Asian language education in this situation where both instructors and students are insufficient in number, collective education during vacation will be an appropriate departure. In order to adapt the university's curriculum to national goals, government ministries are running various programs to support university education. If the institutions related to the promotion of the New Southern Policy want to expand the Southeast Asian studies curriculum, they need to study these support programs and come up with their own support plans. Our Southeast Asian studies academia should preemptively create education programs at universities, and frequently share information and wisdom by collectively discussing educational outcomes and challenges.
