Graduates are expected not only to have gained factual and practical knowledge but also to put that knowledge into use in whichever career choices are made. They will have been challenged to develop a global vision that encompasses not only Korea, but Korea's increasingly important role in the Pacific Rim's society and economy, and the relationship of the Pacific Rim to the global community.

Mission

The Intercultural Institute of California (IIC) was incorporated with the mission of providing students with educational opportunities designed to fulfill their learning needs, enrich their lives, broaden their vision, and empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in a multicultural society and to function in the global community.

The Intercultural Institute of California offers a graduate program that will provide practical knowledge as well as a wider view of the challenges and rewards of participation in the emerging global civilization encompassing a diversity of linguistic and cultural perspectives specifically relating to Korea. Education at the Intercultural Institute of California will provide coherence and purpose to the knowledge gained against the background of our dynamic and rapidly changing world.

Those completing the graduate program in Korean Studies will have gained the knowledge and research skills required for advanced study and successful participation in Pacific Rim business and education.

Those completing a certificate program at the Institute will have accomplished a first step toward integration into the cultural and business world in which they find themselves.

Objectives

The integration of language learning, communication, and intercultural awareness is accomplished by providing a learning environment which:

offers an appropriate balance between academic knowledge of language fundamentals, cultural experience and actual communication; emphasizes the interrelationship between language, thought and culture; assumes proper sequencing of courses in all areas of study, maximizing the educational experience of each student; offers advanced courses in language and literature, culture, society and economics, history and art that serve as a platform for individual research; and personalizes the educational process, making relationships a high priority throughout the learning experience.

The Intercultural Institute of California has offered the Master of Arts in Korean Studies (MAKS) since 1995 in two areas of empahsis:

Professional Application of Korean Studies (PAKS)

Understanding the importance of globalization and the role Korea plays in the world politics and economy, IIC offers PAKS to those who want to participate in a multicultural society and to function in the global community with the essential knowledge and necessary skills.

MA in Teaching Korean as a Foreign Language (TKFL)

For those who want to be professional Korean language instructors, IIC offers courses for Teaching Korean as a Foreign Language. The core courses in the program provide a deep analysis of the Korean language and theories behind second language acquisition. IIC has an affiliation with the College of Education at San Francisco State University.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of required courses and electives, the combination of which will allow the student to master a core of knowledge essential to Korean studies and shape the program in a manner that best assists in developing his/her own expertise or interest.

500 level courses are not considered as graduate level courses and thus cannot be counted in the 36 units required for graduation. All PAKS students, however, are required to complete the equivalent of LC543 (Intermediate Korean Language and Culture) for graduation. This can be done through either the satisfactory completion of coursework or by examination. Students also can take 500 level English courses to further their English skills and to support their thesis writing and oral presentation skills. A maximum of six units of Korean or English language courses can be applied to the degree.

As a general rule, 600 level courses are prerequisite to 700 level courses. Students who wish to take 700 level courses but have not completed the 600 level prerequisites should consult their academic advisor before registration.

Candidates must complete a total of 36 semester units. In addition, the student must complete a thesis and have his/her final work approved by the thesis committee.

A Master's Thesis is normally expected to be completed in the student's last semester of coursework. The completed and signed thesis must be submitted at least two weeks before the last day of instruction. There are specific steps that the student must follow before beginning his/her thesis as outlined in the Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of Thesis. Students should follow the stylistic requirements for thesis preparation as indicated in the M.A. Guidelines.