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University of North Korean Studies

Academics

Major

The University of North Korean Studies (UNKS) offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in North Korean Studies in the following majors

Politics and Unification

Through a focus on North Korean political structure and ideology, foreign policy and diplomatic relations, inter-Korean relations, and unification policy, this major explores the promotion of peace on the Korean peninsula, the future development of North and South Korean relations, and policy programs that can lay the foundation for peaceful unification. Moreover, lectures on theories of policy making, unification, negotiation, international relations, and special theories on interKorean relations bring together theory and policy to cultivate professional expertise in this area of study.

Law and Administration

Through the systematic research of North Korean law and administration system, this major seeks to raise understanding of North Korean governance structure and the lives of its people. The course goes beyond the formal system of law statutes to consider how these laws actually operate in reality. The essential core of this course includes analyzing the influence of current laws and administrative practices on the change we see in the present North Korea and developing skills to predict changes that may take place in the future.

Military and Security Studies

Main topics of study include the Korean armistice and the security environment of the Korean peninsula, security policies of North and South Korea, North Korea’s military strategy and power (including the development of nuclear weapons), the military balance of the Korean peninsula, and the position and status of the Korean People’s Army. The study of these topics encourages the exploration of measures to cease hostilities between North and South Korea and to promote peace regime on the Korean peninsula.

Economics and Information Technology Studies

Main topics of study include North Korean economy and the past, present and future of inter-Korean economic relations. Specifically, through scholarly exploration of North Korea’s economic system and policy, industry, resource and land development, energy, infrastructure, opening and reform, and inter-Korean economic cooperation and integration, students gain a deeper understanding of the North Korean economy. The courses are designed to ultimately foster professionals to work and contribute in the field of inter-Korean economic exchange, cooperation, and integration.

Society, Culture and Media

This major considers a wide array of perspectives on the socio-cultural and media aspects of North Korea. It encompasses both micro and macro approaches on the subject, examining the psyche of North Korean people and family structure, in addition to examining the characteristics of the North Korean social system and its process of change and development. Other subjects of research include the exploration of cultural art, including literature, music, art, live performances, and movies, together with the fundamental theories of North Korean culture and how it has changed over the years

Unification Education Studies

This major critically examines people’s perceptions and attitudes on the division of the Korean peninsula that were reinforced and reproduced over the years. We
also explore methods of developing among citizens the capacities necessary to achieve peaceful unification on the Korean peninsula. The goal of this major is to
cultivate specialists in unification education studies, capable in both theory and practice.

Intelligence Analysis Studies

Intelligence Analysis Studies major aims to educate students and help them learn analytical competence needed to undertake a wide spectrum of issues and ultimately develop the ability to plan strategies and propose alternative options in any security circumstances. Study areas include the changing characteristics of North Korean leadership, changes in North Korean political structure, socio-economic trends, military forces and more. The program adopts a holistic approach that examines the intertwined nature of North Korean internal politics and its foreign affairs stances and is supplemented with in-depth case studies and seminars on key policy decisions, designed to grasp the practical aspects of work in the relevant professional fields.