hankyoreh

Apr. 3. (by Lee Jong-geun

“You have to realize what it is you really want to do, what you want to feel.”

Instead of an opening address, visitors are greeted by a video of scenes of protagonist John Keating from the movie “Dead Poets Society.” Played by Robin Williams, the teacher is the first president of Sinchon University, which launched on Apr. 3. The president is chosen by a vote, and more fictional characters will be filling the slot going ahead.

For the ceremony, lecturers and 40 or so students gathered for a dance to welcome the arrival of a “unique and exciting university” under the direction of the dean of the “body play department.”

Sinchon University is an independent, non-degree-granting alternative school. It has no campus to speak of. Instead, cafes and studios from the popular Sinchon neighborhood, where many universities are located, in Seoul serve as its classrooms.

“What we had in mind was a pleasant way of returning the lost culture of intellect and learning to universities that have turned into employment training institutions,” explained Han Gil-woo, dean of the university’s “festival department” and a leader of the school’s establishment.

As of Apr. 6, around 180 students had joined the university’s 19 oddly named departments, part of an effort to “learn things you can’t learn in other universities, while offering support to the local community.” Its deans and lecturers are all experts in their fields.

“What students learn isn‘t dancing, but a free way of communicating with the body,” explained Jeong Jin-woo, dean of the body play department - this university’s equivalent of the dance department at other universities.

“We’re also planning events like flash mobs to help boost the Sinchon area,” Jeong said.

Students in the “department of artistic politics” also take part in an experiment at building a new country: the Republic of Sinchon. For this, they run a parliament and political parties and formulate policies.

Social Design Institute director Kim Dae-ho is among the lecturers in the “department of April 16,” which focuses on the Sewol ferry tragedy that occurred on the same date last year.

“The department was created to approach the Sewol tragedy as a discourse and a discipline,” explained Han. “We intend to consider the aspects that other universities have been silent about and approach them more seriously than other places.”

The university also has a “volunteering with the heart department,” which focuses on volunteering as a heartfelt activity rather than a way of improving resumes, and an “outdoor department” that centers on biking and kayaking guide services. Other options include the “cultural heritage without difficulties department,” the “’it’s just entrepreneurship’ department,” and the “exploring the law in life department.”

“I had been studying sports science at another university, and I ended up leaving,” explained 25-year-old Ha Jae-min, a new student in the outdoor department.

“I just heard too many people saying the same thing about how you had to work in sports after you graduated. I enrolled [at Sinchon University] because it was a place for freely exploring what I want to do.”

Tuition for the April-June semester ranges from 100,000 to 300,000 won (US$92-275), depending on the department. Student loans are also available, with repayment “any time in the next ten years.”

By Bang Jun-ho, staff reporter

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]