Free Speech in South Korea
| Topic area | Freedom of Speech in South Korea |
| Target audience | Junior Level Computer Science students |
| Activity type |
Individual and group activities include pre-class reading, in class-activity and online posting. A part of the activity is web based. 1) Pre-class reading: Background -- What are South Korean Laws. 2) In-class lecture: Background and Discussion of Korean Laws. 3) In class group activity: Discuss a Scenario as it relates in the US and South Korea. 4) In class discussion: Discuss the groups results of the scenarios Vs actuality. 4) Post-Class activity: Compare South Korean Laws with those of another country using the same scenario as in class. |
| Time required |
Out of class activities:
In class activities:
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| Attachments | |
| Additional materials | |
| Background needed to complete the assignment | Students need to have knowledge of the US laws and customs involving free speech. |
| References |
U.S. Department of State: Human Rights Practices SOUTH KOREA -- Seoul National University College of Law (in Korean & English) |
| Last modified | 4/29/00 |
Abstract:
South Korean free speech laws are similar to our own, with the exception of
political speech. The activity is intended to illustrate to students this difference
and spur thinking about the implications of this.
Goals for the activity:
To raise awareness about freedom of speech and its application in foreign countries. As well as, the laws and customs of the U.S. Vs those of other countries, specifically South Korea.
Knowledge / skills / attitudes to be developed (behavioral objectives):
To illustrate the fact not every country is as liberal in freedom of speech as the US
To show in other countries lack of freedoms is acceptable to them.
To raise awareness of different countries' laws, and custom so when students travel there or interact they know what is acceptable.
To open students minds to other ways of thinking about laws we take for granted.
To open a dialogue about the fundamental nature of free speech between students; is free speech absolutely necessary?
Procedure:
| Step | Activity | Procedure |
| 1 | Pre-class reading | The student will be presented the South Korean Constitution, the National Security Law, and one brief issue involving free speech. The laws are translate into English and should give the students a good background for class discussion. |
| 2 | In-class lecture | Lecture: Laws, Customs, Culture. The next step will be a 15 minute lecture conducted by the class instructor. This lecture will briefly talk about the laws from the in-class reading to make sure students understood them. The talk about the laws vs. the customs, and culture as related from an interview with a South Korean. |
| 3 | In-class activity | Group Discussion. The class will break up into groups and discuss the following scenario with respect to what would happen in the US and South Korea. 20 minutes. |
| 4 | In-class discussion of activity | Class Discussion. Each group will report back to the class what they thought would happen in each case. The instructor will then go over what would happen based on current laws and customs in both countries. 20 minutes. |
| 5 | Post-class activity | Post-class activity. The students will take the same scenario as they discussed in the in-class activity and apply it to another country. They can write up a brief summary of what will happen in a different country as compared to South Korea and the US |
Assessing outcomes:
At the end of the pre-class reading, in-class lecture and activity, and post-class activity the students should realize that not all countries have the same ideas about freedom of speech. They should have an appreciation for the difference that other countries have especially South Korea and the US
Additional remarks:
A guest speaker from South Korea could also be used in place of a formal lecture. There is nothing like a personal witness to drive the point home.
Author contact information:
Nathan Hamblen
Diane Dennison
An Nguyen
Ben Moser
Jeff Grant