K-Drama and Lessons in Hope
Learning Assessment
Check Your Understanding
Reflection Questions
- Has your understanding of depression changed? How so?
- Do you believe that Cynthia’s story is about hope? Why or why not?
- How did watching K-drama on television help Cindy?
Discussion Questions
- Do you think depression is episodic or something that people must learn to live with? Explain your answer.
- Do you think that by “taking care of oneself,” there is a possibility that depression can have less of a hold on the person afflicted? Why or why not?
- Do you think different cultural, historical, religious, or spiritual traditions or perspectives can influence a person’s perspectives on mental health in general or their own mental health? Why or why not? Share some examples from your own cultural experiences.
Learn More: Korean Culture
Cynthia Comacchio’s personal narrative refers to both the spiritual traditions of Buddhism and the history of Korea. Both of these aspects of culture have a great influence on television drama in modern-day South Korea, just as culture influences artistic work around the world.
An Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy
To learn more about the basic foundations of Buddhism, explore this introductory guide from the Open Buddhist University, a website devoted to Buddhist studies.
Korean History
To learn a little about the history of Korea, explore this collection of essays by students at Mulhenberg University in Pennsylvania.
