Nam Center for Korean Studies (University of Michigan) records, 1989-2015

Summary

Creator:

University of Michigan. Nam Center for Korean Studies.

Abstract:

Established in 1995 as the Korean Studies Program, it was upgraded to the Center for Korean Studies in 2007, and renamed the Nam Center for Korean Studies in 2010. The mission of the Center is to promote research and study on Korea. It works to strengthen the study of the Korean language, promote graduate training, and sponsors events to showcase Korean culture. The records group focuses on the events and programming and contains some information on the background of the program.

Extent:

0.4 linear feet

Language:

English

Call Number:

03138 Bimu 2

Authors:

Finding aid created by Adriane Hanson, September 2003.

Background

Scope and Content:

The Nam Center for Korean Studies Program records date from 1995 to the present. The information is sparse, with the main focus being events sponsored by the program. Some information regarding the history of the program is also included.

The record group is divided into two series: Administration and Background and Events.

Biographical / Historical:

Efforts to establish a Korean Studies Program began in 1984. In 1990, the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LS&A) created a series of Korean Language courses as a first step to starting the program. The program was officially founded in 1995 as a joint program of the School of Business and LS&A. Oversight comes from the International Institute.

Elder Sang-Yong Nam, a University of Michigan alumnus, and Mrs. Moon-Sook Nam made a substantial gift and the Program was upgraded to the Center for Korean Studies in 2007. It was renamed the Nam Center for Korean Studies in 2010.

The formation of the Korean Studies Program was made possible by funding from the Korea Foundation. The Korea Foundation was formed in Seoul, in 1992 to promote relationships between Korea and other countries. The funding endowed a professorship and supported community outreach. As part of the agreement, the University of Michigan agreed to fund three new professorships in Korean Studies.

The Korean Studies Program promotes both education and research about Korea. To this end, the program has worked to expand the Korean language instruction in the Department of Asian Language and Culture, supported research and graduate training, and worked to establish new professorships at the university. The Korean Studies Program also sponsors events to reach the community and educate them about Korean culture. Since fall 1994, students have had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program with two Korean universities.

Directors of the Nam Center for Korean Studies

Date	Event
1996-1999	David William Cohen (Acting)
1999-2001	John Creighton Campbell (Interim)
2001-2002	P.J. Ivanhoe (Interim)
2003-2004	John Lie
2004-2007	Meredith Jung-En Woo-Cumings
2007-2009	David Chung
2009-	Nojin Kwak

Name Changes

Date	Event
1995-2007	Korean Studies Program
2007-2010	Center for Korean Studies
2010-	Nam Center for Korean Studies

Acquisition Information:

The records were transferred by the Nam Center for Korean Studies (donor # 9286 ) in 2002 and in 2017.

Subjects

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Subjects:

Korea -- Study and teaching.

Formats:

Newsletters.
Videotapes.

Names:

University of Michigan. Korean Studies Program.
University of Michigan. Nam Center for Korean Studies.