Sinclair Community College’s English department is thrilled to welcome Dr. Sooyoung Chung as an Assistant Professor—a scholar with over two decades of teaching experience and a Ph.D. in English from Stony Brook University.
Chung specializes in literary film adaptation. Her current research focuses on fairy tale adaptations and cross-cultural storytelling between South Korean and American cinema, exploring how shared stories evolve to reflect cultural values and address contemporary issues.
Her teaching philosophy centers on engagement, a principle she developed at Stony Brook University. “Good teaching and learning happen when there is great engagement on both sides—students and instructors,” she explained. She embraces a workshop approach to teaching, emphasizing collaboration and interaction.
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Chung is also dedicated to making learning fun and approachable. “I incorporate interactive strategies and even game elements into my classes. For example, we sometimes play an indoor snowball fight to share ideas—students write their thoughts on paper, crush them into snowballs, and toss them around. It’s a quick, fun way to exchange ideas without fear of judgment,” Chung said.
Her teaching experience at institutions like the University of Dayton has deepened her understanding of diverse student needs. She noted that students at Sinclair often have a strong sense of purpose. “This makes working with Sinclair students especially exciting,” she said. “I look forward to helping them grow and learn while learning and growing with them.”
Chung’s research stems from her fascination with cultural differences and how classic texts are adapted to reflect distinct societal issues. “Fairy tales are timeless, yet they’re constantly retold in ways that address current challenges,” she explained.
She is particularly interested in how South Korean and American cinema reinterpret these stories. “For instance, I’m eager to see how the U.S. remake of Squid Game will explore themes of class, human nature, and greed through a uniquely American lens,” Chung said.
While excited to embark on new projects, Chung is currently focusing on settling into Sinclair’s community. “This semester, I’m prioritizing getting to know the students, the campus, and my new environment,” she said. “Once I’m settled, I’ll begin exploring opportunities to expand my research and teaching initiatives.”
With her dedication to engagement, creative teaching methods, and expertise in cultural storytelling, Dr. Chung is poised to make a lasting impact on Sinclair’s students and the broader academic community.
Ibrahim Lamine, Reporter