인성함양을 위한 고전 읽기 강좌의 운영 특성과 효과 - 서울대 <독서세미나-고전에 길을 묻다> 교과목을 중심으로

Abstract

The classics are imbued with a philosophy of inquiring what “a good life” and “being human” means and serves, thereby, as an adequate tool for character education. Accordingly, the meaning of “being human” that corresponds with the overall goal of (Korean college) elective courses can be understood as indicating the formation of an individual who, through introspection, establishes his or her own self-identity and contributes to humanity by pursuing “a good life” where he or she coexists with others in harmony as free human beings. For this purpose, a curriculum that can broaden the spectrum of individual conscience is required. Through a study of the classics, one can ascertain, rectify, and restructure his or her conscience through deliberating with others matters regarding life and values. This study introduces the goal and operation characteristics of the ‘Great Books Reading Seminar,’ an academic course for cultivating good-oriented individuals at Seoul National University, and evaluates the efficacy of the course. One main characteristic of the ‘Great Books Reading Seminar’ is not to instruct dogmatic belief of a virtuous conscience, but rather to provide an opportunity for the students to explore and introspect matters regarding life and values themselves through a reading of the classics, active participation (including activities such as presentation, discussion, and experimentation), and application of the coursework in the students’ own lives. In evaluating the efficacy of the course, analysis of the survey conducted on the students show that the desired result was achieved. Some of the methods used include an inquiry of the topic through readings of consecutive volumes, dictation and lecture by an instructor, and activities such as presentation and discussion. In the case of Seoul National University in particular, the result of this study supports the case made for the introduction of professional instructors, as majority of the courses provided by adjunct professors indicate clear, positive results in terms of sustainability and stability. In implementing the proposals mentioned herein for potential improvement (installment as a regular-semester course, approval to register multiple courses, etc.), the effectiveness of character education that implements a reading of the classics will be bolstered.