As of writing this entry, I just wanted to make sure that I do understand what my professor told us—the class—during the first meeting. First thing first, I got a notion that this class would help us ..the students...to identify the significant measures needed in thesis or dissertation writing. In other sense, the class would help us focus more on how to make scientific analysis, by outlining more in depth into academic writing. I also heard or jotted down some notions aout fundamental issues considered as important in academic writing as well.
Then, although the class would focus more on comparative analytical point of views, it will also outline more about sociological and anthropological perspectives and how those two differ. Then, I came to wonder as to whether statistical analysis would also be one of the features being talked about in the class, especially after the professor mentioned something about sociological analysis.
While anthropological analysis usually inclines to be more comprehensive and hollistic in methods, the other is considered as not. So, referring to both analytical points of view, the class would help the students in combining both methods.
Apart from that, --this is what intrigued me—the class would give more emphasis on what the philosophical background behind our school being dubbed as the Graduate School of Area Studies. By preparing the students to be some specialists in certain area studies, it is hoped that any students graduated from this school would have better understanding of other countries in varied perspectives. As for me, I would –imagine myself—as being able to stand out to be a specialist in Korean studies as well as those of ASEAN studies? I could hope so.
Judging from this point of view, the using of mixed methodologies are encouraged. After all, this is what area studies is all about. We try to use specific approach and try at the same time...approaching the reality as it happens around us.
Another thing that I got from the first class was that...after globalization and its so-called derivatives...our world needs some new theories on how to manage this world. What I mean to say is that...after the so-called industrial revolution in the 19th century ......that brought about great changes in the world (namely from agricultural based society into industrial one); and..... that brought about its entailing changes like the so-called post-industrial society, we could see how the world has evolved in such a way into the world as we know it now.
To apply it into Korean Studies, such changes above could be used as well to see how Korea has evolved during which. Now, that the world has somewhat changed due to the financial crisis that is still looming over some parts of the world, --as mentioned earlier—the world needs some new theories on how to explain this on-going phenomenon.
Back in the 1980’s and 1990’s, many devoured globalization and capitalism as something worth-depending upon. But, now...many also questions the impacts that those two have brought about into the world. To say the least, we are now living in a transition period. No one knows what is going to happen, for sure. Bet, we need to live another 10 or 15 years until a new theory is achieved or to be found. Or do we really need to wait that long?
Afterall, such theories like globalization and capitalism could be dubbed as the mirrors of realities.
Ok, that’s pretty much of what the new thing I learned or got from the first day of class.
Oh, wait...I also got another point worth mentioning here...^^
In part..it has something to do with how a new student like me should find a good professor as my advisor. Hmm...I won’t write it down here..but one thing for sure...it needs a lot of determination and ponderings....to finally find one. A challenging task ahead, but worth the wait. ^^
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