Korean Flagship: A New Frontier for Advanced Language Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The gist of this paper is first, to overview the history, mission, objectives, setting, and evolution of the Language Flagship initiative as a new paradigm of advanced language and culture learning, instruction, use, and assessment, and, second, more importantly, to discuss how this national initiative to create global professionals commanding a superior-level of proficiency in a critical language, has been innovatively practiced at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) to push the frontier forward for advanced Korean language study through a unified approach. Specific innovations made by the UHM Korean Language Flagship Center, in cooperation with the UHM Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, include (a) introduction of Flagship degree programs, (b) program revamping to accommodate superior-level language and culture training, (c) intensive and innovative instructions, (d) overseas immersion training, (e) content-based, domain-based instruction, and (f) outreach to precollege students. In addition, the paper points out what kinds of further innovations are awaiting to be made, what kinds of challenges are ahead for the Korean Flagship programs and how such challenges may be resolved in the near future. Finally, the paper concludes that the Flagship model can be adapted or customized to other advanced Korean language courses and programs and thus it has a high potential for applicability in other college setting.