Introduction - History
Program Description
History is a scholarly discipline devoted to the pursuit of human self-understanding. It seeks to investigate the longitudinal transformations of humanity and to analyze the diverse phenomena of contemporary society from a cross-sectional perspective. Through such inquiry, the discipline endeavors to elucidate both the particularity and universality of human existence in the present, and to propose meaningful directions and guiding principles for future human action. In alignment with this objective, the Department of History at the Graduate School systematically categorizes human history into Korean history, East Asian history, and Western history, placing emphasis on comprehensive and structured engagement within each field of specialization. Moreover, by adopting a comparative approach to these distinct historical traditions, the program aims to foster in graduate students a critical and informed historical consciousness—one that equips them to contribute meaningfully to social progress and cultural innovation through rigorous research and scholarship.
Field of Studies
| Field of Studies | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Korean History | The Korean History program offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical development of Korean society across political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual dimensions. Through chronological and thematic approaches, the curriculum aims to cultivate a nuanced understanding of Korea’s past, encouraging students to engage critically with the continuities and transformations that have shaped the nation’s identity and institutions over time. |
| Western History | The Western History program investigates the evolution of Western civilization from antiquity to the present day. Emphasis is placed on examining major historiographical trends and thematic currents—such as politics, religion, economy, science, and culture—across different historical periods. Students are encouraged to engage with primary sources and current scholarly debates to develop a broad and critical perspective on Western historical development. |
| East Asian History | East Asian History program focuses on the histories of East Asian regions, including China, Japan, and neighboring areas, with particular attention to interregional exchange and comparative developments. The curriculum promotes an understanding of the dynamic relationships among East Asian societies, emphasizing both the distinctiveness of regional histories and their interconnectedness through diplomacy, trade, cultural transmission, and conflict. |
Educational support
The Department of History at Hanyang University has received funding for a Research and Education Team under the 4th Phase of the BK21 (Brain Korea 21) Project, and continues to carry out a wide range of scholarly activities through this initiative.
The BK21 team critically examines the structural contradictions, injustice, and inequality that have been deepening within Korean society amid accelerating globalization in the 21st century. By engaging in historical reflection, the team seeks to develop humanities- and history-based approaches to resolving these pressing societal challenges. Grounded in the concept of “Justice,” the team organizes its research around institutional history, legal history, and the history of civilizations, with the goal of cultivating globally competitive experts in legal and institutional historical studies.
To support the vision, the program offers all participating faculty members and graduate students with a variety of academic and educational opportunities, including the following:
BK21 Graduate Student Scholarship Support
Graduate students participating in the BK21 Research and Education Team receive monthly scholarships. Master's students are eligible for a minimum of KRW 1,000,000 per month, and doctoral students for a minimum of KRW 1,600,000 per month.
Language Study Programs
To support graduate students’ research and language proficiency, the team organizes weekly study sessions with specialists in Classical Chinese and Classical Japanese.
Academic Events
To strengthen academic competence and broaden research experience, the team regularly hosts colloquia, lectures under the theme “Humanities of Justice,” and special seminars by distinguished scholars.
For more information on our research activities and vision, please visit the homepage of the Hanyang University Department of History BK21 Research and Education Team:
🔗: https://homojustice.hanyang.ac.kr/