Yonsei University

This course introduces computer vision with a focus on modern deep learning. We start with the foundational concepts and history of the field. We then dive into the key architectures that have shaped modern computer vision. We study convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Vision Transformers (ViT), learning how they work and how they are used for fundamental tasks like image classification, object detection, and semantic segmentation. Then, we cover 3D computer vision, including problems like 3D reconstruction. Finally, students focus on deep generative models for vision, exploring how they are used to create realistic images and videos.  

Prior to taking this course, it is recommended that students take courses in linear algebra and probability and statistics.  

Topics include Introduction to Computer Vision; Basics of Digital Images and Processing; Machine learning and neural networks; Convolutional neural networks (CNNs); Computer vision problems; Vision transformers (ViTs) for computer vision; 3D Computer Vision; Generative Models: VAEs, GANs; and Generative Models: Diffusion Models, Multimodal models. 

This course introduces the hydrologic cycle and relevant atmospheric processes: water and energy balance, radiation, precipitation, snow, infiltration, evaporation, transpiration, groundwater flow, streamflow, and flood processes. In addition, AI applications in hydrologic processes are covered. Topics include The Hydrologic Cycle, Atmospheric Water, Runoff and Streamflow, Groundwater, and Soil Water.

Prerequisite: ELEMENTARY FLUID MECHANICS

This course approaches themes such as justice, citizenship, and the constitution of the state—as we experience and reflect on them within a liberal democratic system—through close readings of texts in ancient political thought.  

Returning to ancient Greece, often regarded as the birthplace of both democracy and justice, we examine Socratic argumentation, the death of Socrates, and the visions of a just state as imagined by Plato and Aristotle.  

Through this exploration, we aim to envision what a just democratic society might look like today.  

Topics include The Meaning of Ancient Political Thought – Why Do We Study Ancient Political Thought?; The Relationship Between Tradition and Philosophy – Taking a Step Back from Socrates; The Problem of the Divine – The Search for a Standard; Why Socrates Refused the City's Commands; The Apology of Socrates; The Problem of Justice – Understanding Thrasymachus’ Claim that Justice Is the Advantage of the Strong; What Kind of Citizens Constitute a Just State?; Why Is the Philosopher-King Necessary?; The Problem of the City-State and Slavery – The Meaning of the Polis and Its Members; The City-State and the Citizen – The Ideal City-State?; The Persistence of the City-State – How Does a City-State Endure or Decline?; and Justice, Virtue, and Happiness – The Aim of the Political Community. 

Building on a comprehensive understanding of communication design, students investigate the unique characteristics of various media and move fluidly across them, developing active and creative strategies for communication. This inquiry serves as the foundation for freely experimenting with and implementing practical, hands-on projects. Topics include The domain of Communication design, The role of communication designers, Riso print workshop, Communication design issues, and Communication design and media.

Prerequisites: Completion of at least two of the following — Introduction to Communication Design, Typography Design, Brand Design, Information Design, Advertising Design

This course covers economic development in various regions of the world and introduces students to major development problems and policies, both domestic and international. Students explore and analyze models of economic growth, population growth, poverty, income distribution, urbanization and rural-urban migration, health, education, the environment, and international trade and finance, problems of debt burdens, foreign aid, and private and foreign investment. Topics include Economic Growth and Development, Growth Models, Poverty, Income Inequality and Development, Population Growth and Economic Development: Causes, Consequences, and Controversies, Rural and Urban Migration: Theory and Policy, Human Capital and Economic Development, Agricultural Transformation and Rural Development, The Environment and Development, Trade and Economic Development, The Policy Debate: Export Promotion, Import Substitution, and Economic Integration, Balance of Payments, Developing-Country Debt, and Macroeconomic Stabilization Controversy, Foreign Finance, Investment, and Aid: Controversies and Opportunities, and Finance and Fiscal Policy for Development.  

Prerequisite: Introductory economics 

This course examines the relationship between public opinion and international politics in democratic societies. Students explore fundamental questions about how ordinary citizens' attitudes influence foreign policy decisions, how political leaders respond to public preferences, and how media and elites shape public opinion on international issues. The course examines how people form opinions about key areas of international politics, including trade policy, immigration, military intervention, economic sanctions, international organizations, and climate change. Drawing on insights from political psychology, students learn about important concepts such as cognitive biases, framing effects, and motivated reasoning that influence how citizens think about foreign policy issues. Through careful analysis of research studies, surveys, and real-world examples, students develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills for analyzing global public opinion. The course emphasizes critical thinking about current events and policy debates, helping students become more informed citizens and consumers of political information. Students apply course concepts through case study analyses, policy briefs, and a final research project that allows them to investigate a topic of particular interest within the field of public opinion and international relations. By the end of the course, students have a solid foundation for understanding how democratic publics think about international affairs and why this matters for foreign policy outcomes.

This course provides an introduction to the milestones of human development from conception to childhood. It focuses on how children change as they progress through life and how differences among children come about. The content is drawn from research and theories in developmental psychology. Topics include prenatal development, perceptual and cognitive development in infancy, language development, preschool, temperament, attachment, and moral development. Text: Martha Lally and Suzanna Valentine-French, LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT: A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE. Assessment: class attendance and activities (20%), exams (80%).

This course covers literature on innovation and entrepreneurship and reviews policy options for the government from a comparative perspective. Innovation and entrepreneurship have been regarded as sources of economic vitality and growth. Recent successes of Silicon Valley and Korea are good examples. Students deepen their understanding of literature in innovation and entrepreneurship; learn to understand the effects and limits of various policies adopted by different countries; and examine the changes in the global supply chain, investigating the proper adoption of the changes.

Topics include Why Science, Technology, and Innovation Matter?, Models for R&D Policy: Technology Push & Demand Pull, Systems of Innovation, Theory of Firm Innovation, : Economic Growth and Social Capital, Innovative Region and City, Strategy for Catch-up: Korean Case, Democratizing Innovation, Role of Scientists in the S&T policy making process, How Economics Shapes Science, and Open Innovation.