LAS329 Korea Research Project 2

Spring 2025/26

20 credits

Module Organiser: Dr Yookyeong Im (y.im@sheffield.ac.uk)

Overview

In this module, we will build on frameworks and skills we developed in LAS332 Researching Korea 2 to conduct an independent research project. You will choose and develop your own research question that focuses on law and social change in Korea and East Asia, broadly construed. You will then analyse your specific research question through applying some of the diverse approaches and analytical lens that we covered in the previous semester. Your research output may take any of the following forms: a longform nonfiction article (2000 words in length), podcast (20-25 minutes in length), policy proposal (2000 words in length), photo essay (10 images with 1300-1500 words commentary), video essay (10-15 minutes in length), TED-style talk (20 minutes in length), a virtual exhibition using Google Site, or any other forms of “creative output” to deliver your findings and insights effectively to specialised/non-specialised audiences. The research outputs should include a bibliography of the academic sources used in the project. 

Topics Covered

See module description for LAS332 Researching Korea 2

Skills developed

The module will help you develop the following skills:

• Academic Writing and Communication Skills - Preparation of your output will require you to consider what would be the best way to communicate your research findings to an audience—using text, image and other forms. Oral communication and discussion of ideas will be central to this seminar-based module. In assignments, you will work on the persuasive communication of complex ideas.

• Critical Thinking - you will develop critical thinking skills through seminar preparation, discussions and in work on the assignments, as you apply the theoretical models and insights developed in LAS332 Researching Korea 2 to the collection/creation and analysis of your research data.

• Knowledge Creation through Research and Independent Learning - This will be essential to work on the final creative output as well as understanding materials covered in the seminar. This skill will be developed through the designing and execution of your chosen output, time management, and holistic comprehension of appropriate research methods and associated ethical issues.

• Practical Skills - you will demonstrate digital fluency and an ability to make use of digital communication through creative outputs.

• Collaboration and networking skills - you will practice them through collaborative class activities during the module. You will discuss class content and exchange knowledge with others in an inclusive manner

Study Hours

The University recommends that you spend 200 hours working on a 20-credit module. This will include:

• 3 Lectures of 1 hour each, for a total of 3 hours.

• 3 Seminars of 1 hour each, for a total of 3 hours.

• 3 Tutorials (small groups) of 1 hour each, for a total of 3 hours - these will offer personalized advice for each project.

• Independent & small group study 191 hours (ca 15-16 hrs/week for 12 weeks)

Assessment

• Research/ Creative Output 60%

• Portfolio 40% 

Before you start…

Planning for this module begins at the end of the Autumn semester, in the work for LAS332 Researching Korea 2, so you will finish that module with a prep/to-do list for this LAS329 Korea Research Project 2.