This course will trace developments in Noth Korea from the partition of the peninsula in 1945 through the second decade of the 21st century. Topics will include the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the rise to power of Kim Il-Sung and his successors his son and grandson, the goals of their policies and the reaction of the ordinary people, relations with the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the rest of the world, and North Korean-US relations. The period of the current North Korean leader, Kim Jung-Un, and changes he has introduced in the north, will attract special attention.
*Recommended reading:
Armstrong, Charles. THE NORTH KOREAN REVOLUTION, 1945-1950. (2003)
Buzo, Adrian. THE MAKING OF MODERN KOREA. (2007)
Haggard, S. & M. Noland. FAMINE IN NORTH KOREA. MARKETS, AID, AND REFORM. (2007)
Lankov, Adnrei. THE REAL NORTH KOREA. LIFE AND POLITICS IN THE FAILED STALINIST UTOPIA. (2015)
