Course Overview
The Basic Korean 1 course is designed for beginners who have little or no prior experience with the Korean language. It introduces the essential building blocks of Korean communicationHangul (the alphabet), basic pronunciation, everyday vocabulary, and simple grammatical structures. The class is organized around practical situations such as greeting people, ordering food, asking for directions, and introducing yourself. By the end of the semester, students should be able to comprehend and produce short, meaningful sentences in Korean, and feel confident using the language in daytoday interactions.
Learning Goals
- Recognize, read, and write all 14 consonants and 10 vowels of Hangul.
- Pronounce Korean sounds accurately, including the subtle differences between similar consonants.
- Acquire a core vocabulary of roughly 300 words covering topics such as family, food, travel, and school.
- Understand and apply basic sentence patterns (SubjectObjectVerb order, polite endings, particles).
- Introduce yourself, exchange personal information, and ask simple questions.
- Develop listening skills through short dialogues and audio clips.
- Practice speaking in pairs and small groups to build confidence.
- Use basic Korean in reallife contexts, like ordering at a caf or buying a ticket.
Curriculum Outline
| Week | Topic | Key Grammar | Vocabulary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction & Hangul Basics | None (alphabet) | Numbers 110, greetings |
| 2 | Pronunciation & Simple Nouns | Subject particle / | Family members, common objects |
| 3 | Verb to be () & Descriptive words | Copula , adjectives | Colors, basic adjectives |
| 4 | Polite endings | Present tense /, | Daily activities |
| 5 | Numbers & Counters | Numbers 1100, counting nouns | Age, price, quantity |
| 6 | Time & Dates | Time expressions, days of week | Hours, months, seasons |
| 7 | Location Particles | , , / | Places in town, directions |
| 8 | Food & Ordering | /, (to want) | Food items, restaurant phrases |
| 9 | Transportation | /, / (future) | Transport modes, ticket phrases |
| 10 | Review & Midterm Practice | Mixed structures | All covered vocab |
| 11 | Describing People | / contrast, also | Physical traits, personality |
| 12 | Shopping & Money | / (size), | Clothing items, prices |
| 13 | Simple Past | -/ | Past experiences |
| 14 | Expressing Likes & Dislikes | - , - | Hobbies, preferences |
| 15 | Culture & Etiquette | Polite vs informal speech | Common customs |
| 16 | Final Review & Presentation | All topics integrated | Studentchosen themes |
Teaching Methods
The course uses a blended approach that balances teacherled explanations with active student participation.
- Interactive Lectures: Short, focused presentations on grammar or pronunciation, followed by immediate practice.
- Pair Work & RolePlay: Students practice dialogues such as ordering coffee or asking for directions, encouraging fluency.
- Pronunciation Labs: Audio recordings and repeatafterme drills help learners internalize Korean sounds.
- Reading & Writing Workshops: Handwriting Hangul on grid paper reinforces visual memory.
- Multimedia Resources: Short video clips, Kpop excerpts, and Korean drama scenes expose learners to authentic language use.
- Online Platform: A class website hosts PDFs, flashcards, and a forum where students can ask questions outside class time.
Assessment
Evaluation is continuous and varied to reflect both knowledge and communicative ability.
- Quizzes (30%): Weekly short tests covering Hangul recognition, vocabulary, and grammar points.
- Listening Checks (10%): Audio clips with comprehension questions.
- Speaking Participation (20%): Assessment of pronunciation, fluency, and willingness to engage in roleplays.
- Midterm Project (15%): A 2minute recorded dialogue on a chosen everyday scenario.
- Final Presentation (15%): A 5minute oral presentation integrating multiple grammar structures, supported by visual aids.
- Attendance & Effort (10%): Consistent class attendance and active involvement.
Recommended Resources
While the instructor supplies core materials, the following resources are highly useful for independent study:
- Books: Talk To Me In Korean Level 1, Korean from Zero! 1.
- Websites: Talk To Me In Korean (TTMIK), How to Study Korean, Duolingo Korean.
- Apps: Memrise (Hangul), Anki (custom flashcards), HelloTalk (language exchange).
- YouTube Channels: Korean Unnie, Sweet & Tasty TV, Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.
- Podcasts: TTMIK Korean Language Podcast, KoreanClass101.
Students are encouraged to keep a personal notebook for new words, practice writing Hangul daily, and set aside at least 15 minutes each day for listening or speaking practice.
