한국의 지역연구

Recently, Departments or Divisions of Area Studies have increased numerically in comparison with others in Korean universities. However, as quasi-discipline, area stuides are still ambiguous in terms of methods, academic positions, and institutional aspects. Therefore, the paper will deal with them. First, the paper will introduce debates over the academic position of area studies in Korea. It is argued that, though theories used in area stuides depend on those of disciplines, we can develop methods of area studies independently. Second, the paper will describe the definitions of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches and their meanings in the field of area studies. It argues that, though it is difficult to implement the interdisciplinary approach, the approach will not disappear due to the internal problem of social sciences. Third, the paper will deal with issues of educational system and curricula of Area Studies. Last, the tasks of area studies and their professors will be suggested.