Public Administration and Democratic Governance, led by Professor Kim Sunhyuk (Department of Public Administration), is an exciting addition to Korea University’s (KU) diverse array of courses. As a part of KU’s Signature Class 100, it holds significant influence and importance for students and professor alike. This highly anticipated course explores the complex connection between public administration and democratic governance. Students engage in critical analyses of bureaucracy and democracy, discussing ways to enhance government performance for the benefit of both public administrators and citizens. Although new courses may initially face hesitancy due to the lack of reviews and uncertainties, the course’s status as a signature class at KU ensures its academic rigor and relevance. With Professor Kim’s guidance, students can expect a thought-provoking and enriching learning experience that delves into the dynamics of effective governance and public service.

Professor Kim, who earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science from Stanford University, brings his passion and dedication to KU. With his exceptional knowledge and expertise, he offers engaging coursework that captivates students. Although it is an elective major course, its exploration of critical topics, namely public service, public policy, and citizenship allows for non-majors to gain much from the curriculum too. The course examines South Korea’s historical journey from state-led economic development to contentious democratization, highlighting the engagement between authoritarian regimes and civil society. By evaluating related issues and problems, students will explore the essential requirements of democratic governance and consider strategies for reform and governmental improvement. The course is especially beneficial for international students since it is in English, which will allow them to better understand economic, political, and administrative situations in South Korea.

Introduction to the Course

Public Administration and Democratic Governance’s comprehensive curriculum makes it particularly attractive to students with a deep interest in the complex interplay between bureaucracy and democracy. Therefore, those seeking to delve into the topic should strongly consider enrolling in this class during the upcoming semester, where they will have the opportunity to learn from Professor Kim’s expertise and benefit from his engaging teaching style.

The course incorporates a selection of textbooks, including Richard Box’s Democracy and Public Administration and Professor Kim’s The Politics of Democratization in Korea: The Role of Civil Society. In addition to these essential readings, Professor Kim prepares supplementary articles which are assigned throughout the course to augment student understanding. He fosters an interactive atmosphere by dedicating the initial 20 minutes of each class to a “question for discussion” session, where students share and discuss their ideas and opinions on the text they read before class. By engaging with the readings and participating in class discussions, students are able to develop their own perspectives and insights concerning the societal challenges of the South Korean government system. This active learning approach encourages critical thinking and empowers students to shape their ideas and visions regarding these important issues

On the Radar of International Students

The course offers significant benefits to international students as it is conducted entirely in English, allowing them to comprehend and engage actively with discussions about South Korea’s economics. International students gain a valuable opportunity to explore an area they are likely unfamiliar with — the complexities of South Korea’s social and governmental landscapes. Through the course’s comprehensive curriculum, they can develop a deeper understanding of South Korea’s economic development, democratization processes, and the challenges faced by its public administration system. This enhanced knowledge equips international students with a broader perspective and a more nuanced understanding of South Korea, facilitating their engagement and participation in academic, professional, and cultural contexts within the country.

Dang Tran Minh Son (’22, Psychology), an international student in this course, emphasizes how the course materials stimulate critical evaluation of the existing government system and enables students to find possible methods for citizen-driven improvements. He highlights the relevance of the class content in the contemporary world, noting its ability to encourage individuals, like himself, to question diverse social issues and envision potential solutions.

This course holds the distinction of being selected as a part of KU’s Signature Class 100 program. This program was established to offer high-level English courses that cater to both domestic and international students, including exchange students. It aims to foster a more international and intercultural campus environment at KU. Notably, nominated courses have no enrollment limits, alleviating concerns about intense competition or limited quotas for students

What to Know Before Enrolling

The course is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to enhance their understanding of public administration and democratic governance in the context of South Korea. However, it is important to note that taking the course without any prior preparation may pose challenges. Son stated, “Without a background in political science and public administration, the course content can be dense and challenging.” While the professor does provide an introductory overview during the first week, it may not be sufficient for students completely new to this field of study. Therefore, it is recommended that students who have at least completed their first year and have a basic understanding of political science and public administration from other introductory courses consider enrolling in this class.

Public Administration and Democratic Governance offers students a unique learning experience that delves into the complexities of effective governance and public service. It is a valuable opportunity for both domestic and international students who seek a profound understanding of public administration and democratic governance, providing them with indispensable knowledge and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of governance systems in today’s world. Active class participation and thorough reading play a big part in this course, as class discussions and exams are centered around the course readings.