OSU begins offering a Korean Language course

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Media Contact: Kelli Norton | Communication Specialist | 405-744-5496 | kelli.norton@okstate.edu

Students can begin enrolling in the first ever credited Korean Language course at OSU.

In response to growing interest from students in Korean language and culture, OSU is offering the first ever Korean language course. The School of Global Studies and Partnerships and the department of languages and literatures worked together to answer this desire by creating Korean 1. Students enrolled in the course will be introduced to the language and learn more about the fascinating culture.

While this is the first course offered by OSU for students to received credit, it is not the first exposure to the Korean language. The School of Global Studies and Partnerships has been developing and supporting Korean language learning opportunities on and off campus since 2013. With the support of the International Students and Scholars Office, OSU Korean Student Association and Korean Consulate in Houston, OSU provides Korean Cultural and Language non-credit learning opportunities for OSU students and faculty, staff and Stillwater residents. These learning opportunities are supported by Korean international undergraduate and graduate student volunteers.

“We are very happy to offer the Korean language this fall. It is the first new language we have offered since ASL joined our department in 2017,” said Erik Ekman, head and associate professor of Spanish in the Department of Languages and Literatures. “We hope to build the program and eventually offer a minor. We are very grateful for all the help we’ve received from SGSP with this project.”

The availability of this language course will not only increase the readiness for OSU students to study abroad, but it will also boost student participation in studying abroad in Korea. Currently, OSU has reciprocal exchange partnerships with three universities in Korea: Soongsil University, Yonsei University and Ewha Women University.

To support the course, the School of Global Studies and Partnerships and the department of languages and literatures jointly applied for a teaching grant through the Korea Foundation to support the language instruction for the first year. The Korea Foundation is affiliated with the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which aims to promote academic and cultural exchange programs between Korea and the international community.

Korean 1 is offered M-W-F from 10:30-11:20 a.m. (72154) and M-W-F from 11:30-12:20 p.m. (72155). For more information, please contact Erik Ekman at erik.ekman@okstate.edu.