Towards gender equality

   
▲ Students present their assigned topics using power point visuals.
REMEMBER GU Sung-ae, who shocked everyone by openly talking about sex on national TV? She introduced mature views on sex to Koreans, shattering their prejudice. Although her lectures are not broadcast now, we do not need to be disappointed. On our campus, we've already got another Gu Sung-ae who is conducting open discussions on sex in her classroom. She is Han keum-yun (Dept. of Korean Lang. & Lit.), the professor of a class called "Women and Literature".
This "Women and Literature" (UCI110101/ three credits/ elective general education subject) class might sound like a course about feminism. However, the class goes beyond mere feminism and achieves gender equality by probing into how gender and sexuality are reflected through culture. Based on this knowledge, the class discusses different interpretations that culture can have about sex, using reference materials which include the movie, "The Full Monty," and underground music composed by women.
Instead of normal lectures, group presentations followed by class discussion are main criteria. For example, a group assigned with the topic "Adolescents and their Sex Culture," analyzes the current situation and problems, and suggests solutions for using power point visuals which even include movies. Other classmates point out the weaknesses in their argument and naturally lead the class to a discussion. During this process, the professor mainly mediates the debate and gives expert suggestions.
A class participant, Cho Yoo-mi (Jr., Dept. of Psych.) states, "As a student from Japan, I feel that most Korean classes are too rigid. However, this class is unusual in a way that students can talk about sex-related issues with the professor openly and frankly. This openness is why I can concentrate better on the class subject."
It is a fact that open talks on sex issues have been treated as taboos in Korean schools. However, this class goes against this norm and proves that an open discussion is not a taboo, but the solution to correct our distorted views on sex.
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