영어․영문학과 교과과정의 현황과 새로운 방향: 인문학의 쇠락에 직면하여

A Review of English Language and Literature Department Programs: New Curricular Directions and Prospects in the Decline of the Humanities

This paper starts by examining the declining prestige of the humanities, including English language and literature in the present day, and delineates the contours of English language and literature studies in English related departments or divisions in Korea. Next, this study categorizes English language and literature department programs, and explains each program’s features, which are often related to outer influences such as BK21 Plus, ACE+, CK, PRIME, and CORE. It is evident that some university programs tend to be restructured according to forms of financial support along with external pressures from the government, in this case, the National Research Foundation of Korea. In 2019, under President Moon’s government, however, ACE+, CK, PRIME, and CORE will be united into a general fund, which means individual program support may be weakened. Furthermore, this study problematizes curricular fluctuations influenced more by extrinsic factors than by educational values. In conclusion, we will discuss the main viable options for designing and redesigning English language and literature department curricula beyond forms of external supports or threats, and will reexamine new curricular directions and prospects.