Course Description since Academic Year 2008

THAI LANGUAGE COURSES

Beginning Thai                                                 3 credits 
A study of basic Thai communication: the alphabet and tone system, basic conversational skills, grammar, and usage. Students will acquire basic speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills at the end of the course. (Lecture 3 hours/week; practice 2 hrs/week)

Intermediate Thai                                            3 credits
Prerequisite: Beginning Thai                                                 Further development of proficiency in basic communication skills. By reading authentic texts, students will be introduced to the language of daily communication. Students will be able to communicate on topics relating to their everyday life. (Lecture 3 hrs/week; practice 2 hrs/week)

Advanced Thai                                                  3 credits
Prerequisite: Intermediate Thai
Students will read and analyze texts from Thai literature, magazines, and newspapers, as well as audio-visual materials on subjects related to the Thai culture and society. Students will be able to improve language skills for practical work and academic usages. (Lecture 3 hrs/week; practice 2 hrs/week)

SOCIETY COURSES

Thai Civilization                                                3 credits
A study of Thai society from ancient times up to the present, social developments, formation of cities and states, socioeconomic and political structures, religions and beliefs, the arts, the influences of modernization, problems and future directions of Thai society. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Society and Culture of Thailand                       3 credits
A study of Thai society and culture in diverse sociological and anthropological methods, using case studies from various researches by Thai and international academics, emphasizing analytical and critical approaches. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Thai Media and Society                                    3 credits
An examination of the roles and the responsibilities of mass media in society, issues of media policy, control and analysis of the relationship between the media and the government, as well as other kinds of institutions. Emphasis on its rights, role and responsibilities for the society. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Ethnic Groups of Thailand                                3 credits
An examination of the history, culture, and social structures of ethnic groups such as the hill tribes in Thailand as well as their relations with Thai communities. Field work included. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Buddhism in Thailand                                       3 credits
A historical and anthropological investigation of the role that Buddhist institutions and related beliefs and practices have played in Thailand today and the various Thai polities in the past. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Islam in Thailand                                              3 credits
The course will be an introduction to Islam and the historical and contemporary feature of Islam in Thailand. It will also look into the ways Thai Muslims live and practice their religiosity in a Buddhist majority country. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Social and Economic Development in Thailand
                                                                          3 credits
An exploration of multiple meanings, concepts and practices of development i.e. rural vs. urban development, community-based development, participatory development, and sustainable development. It examines the gap between rural and urban development, the role of community members and civil organizations and their relations to the government and businesses. Emphasis will be placed on development that values democracy, diversity, sustainability, and self-governance. The course will draw from lessons learned from community-based initiatives involving education, community revitalization, public health, and economic well-being. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Thai Law                                                           3 credits
A study of the development of Thai Law, the incorporation of Western legal systems, the Thai legal system, key legal institutions and the specific nature of the Thai legal system at present—Public Law, Personal Law, etc. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Modern Thai History                                         3 credits
An interdisciplinary exploration of modern Thai social and political history.  The course will provide background history of the Thai kingdom from the Bangkok period (c1782) to the modern nation-state of the present time (2005).  Emphasis on the modern era when the kingdom confronted western colonization, and enacted a series of reforms and reactions from within, resulting in the formation of a new nation-state.  The course will then explore the processes of change and persistence of the nation-state up to the present.  (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

 

POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES

Thailand in an International Arena                 3 credits
A study of Thailand’s role in international relations in the social, economic, political and military dimensions, foreign policy pattern. Policy patterns and determinants, policy implementation and outcome and impact will be examined. Includes analysis of foreign policy-making in light of emerging world issues. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Thai Politics                                                      3 credits
A study about the patterns and unique characteristics of Thai political life and behavior. Examine influencing factors, such as, historical development, social, economic, and political structure. Includes a survey of new problems and issues relating to Thai government and politics. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

 

ART & CULTURE

Contemporary Thai Literature (in Translation)
                                                                          3 credits
A study of Thai literature since World War II. Emphasis on close reading of selected texts in relation to their social, political and cultural contexts.

Art and Architecture of Thailand                     3 credits
A study of the characteristics and development of art and architecture in Thailand from Sukhothai Period to the present and the influences of other cultures on Thai art and architecture. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Thai Dance                                                        3 credits
A study of the principles and fundamental theories of Thai Dance, as well as a practice of standard Thai Dance for further learning. (Lecture 1 hr/week; practice 4 hrs/week) 

Thai Cuisine                                                      3 credits
A study of the basic techniques and ingredients of Thai cuisine, the philosophy and origin of Thai cuisine and different ways to blend and balance the varied flavors to create a stimulating array of unique tastes. Demonstration and hands-on experience included. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

 

HEALTH SCIENCE

Thai Traditional Medicine                                3 credits
A study of the history and development of Thai traditional medicine. Other topics include Thai traditional medicine concepts, types of treatments with herb, massage, herbal sauna, herbal concoction applied for curative applied and health, and integration of Thai traditional medicine into the country’s health care system. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

Thai Massage                                                    3 credits
A study of 1) basic knowledge in human anatomy and physiology necessary for Thai massage for health 2) the history, value and limitations, 3) steps, postures and the manners of Thai massage for health.  Training and demonstration included. (Lecture 3 hrs/week)

 

 

Course Description for Academic Year 2007

 

Compulsory Courses

LG 126/127 Thai for Non-Native Speakers I/II

An introduction to the Thai language, with emphasis on listening and speaking skills, recognition and production of tones, vowel and consonant distinction in the context of basic conversational patterns and vocabulary. Reading and writing components of Thai orthography are introduced in the second half of the course. Continuation of LG 127 offers continuing emphasis on listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cholticha Bamroongraks
Ph.D. (Linguistics) University of Wisconsin-Madison

- Assoc. Prof.Dr. Chatchawadee Saralamba
Ph.D. (Linguistics) Chulalongkorn University

- Asst. Prof. Pornthipa Thongsawang
M.A. (Applied Linguistics) University of Texas at Austin

- Dr. Chutamanee Onsuwan Pukrushpan

Elective Courses

Humanities

AR 356 Thai Art and Architecture Appreciation

The evolution of art and architecture in South East Asia and Thailand from Sukhothai to Rattanakosin period and present. Cultural and technological influences from the neighbours on the development of Thai art and architecture. Analyses of unique styles that reveal diverse lifestyles of people in the past.

HS 230 Thai History

A study of Thai history from the genesis of the Tai race to the present.

- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanet Aphornsuwan
Ph.D. (History) Binghamton University, USA
M.A. (History) Binghamton University, USA

- Dr. Vachara Sindhuprama
Ph.D. (History) University of Hawaii at Manoa

HS 345 Art History and Archaeology of Thailand

A study of the meaning of Art History and Archaeology as two different disciplines; the methodology of art historical researches; knowledge of art history and archaeology in Thailand. Field trips are obligatory.

- Assoc.Prof.Dr. Piriya  Krairiksh
Ph.D. (Historoy of Art) Harvard University

- Dr. Charles E. Freeland
PhD., Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA., USA
M.A., (Philosophy), Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
B.A., (Philosophy) University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

- Ms. Rasita Sin-eak-iam
M.A., (History of Architecture), Silpakorn University
B.A., (History) Thammasat University

TD 104 Development of Eastern Textile and Costumes

This course is a general introduction to the development of Eastern textiles and costumes from the materials used, production techniques, to textile design and practical uses. It explores, from the past to present, cultural influences on textiles of Eastern countries. Field trips are part of this course.

- Dr. Anucha   Thirakanont
Ph. D. (Journalism) School of Journalism, Southern Illinois University -            Carbondale
M.S. (Journalism) School of Journalism, West Virginia University

TH 352 Outstanding Contemporary Thai Literatures

Study the details of outstanding contemporary Thai literature, both prose and poetry, by emphasizing the specific characteristics that be highlighted such books.

- Ms. Nittaya Masavisut

TH 356 Thai Folklores

Study of local folklore in order to gain understanding of social aspects and Thai culture in different regions: Northern, Northeastern and Southern Thailand. Folklore from legends, fables, quotations, sayings, proverbs and folk songs.

TH 376 Thai Short Stories and Novels

*Available soon

TU 111 Thai Civilization

A study of Thai Society. Emphasis is on social developments, formation of cities and states, socioeconomic and political structures, religions and beliefs the arts, the influences of modernization, problems and future directions of Thai society.

- Dr. Wankwan Polchan
Ph.D., University of London

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Social Sciences

AN 331 Thai Society and Culture

Cultural patterns and social structures of contemporary Thai society. Relationship of these patterns and structures to individual and group adjustment.

- Mr. Chupinit Kesmanee
M.A. (Geography), Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
B.A. Honours (Anthropology), Victoria University of Wellington, New          Zealand

AN 425 Buddhist InstitutionsSystematic description and analysis of ecclesiastical institutions (monasteries, temples, sects); lay associations and religious enterprises, their internal structure, their operations, and their functions in society, in particular, the Thai society.

- Mr. Martin Perenchio
M.A. (English Literature) University of South Florida

AN 432 Cultures of Ethnic Groups in Thailand

A study of the settlement history, cultural contents, and forms of social relations and acculturation among ethnic groups such as hill tribes in Thailand.

- Mr. Chupinit Kesmanee
M.A. (Geography), Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
B.A. Honours (Anthropology), Victoria University of Wellington, New          Zealand

BS 374 Cross-cultural Communication

A study of nature and problems of cross-cultural communication, and the role of the differences of language and culture in communication. Discussions will be based on examples of cross-cultural communication between native-speakers of English and speakers of other languages and cultures.

- Mr. Edward Geerson
M.A. (Internatioanl Policy Studies) Monterey Institute of International          Studies

BS 464 Great Britain and the U.S. in Thailand and SE. A.

The course examines foreign policies of Britain and the United States from World War II to the present. Emphasis is placed on their role and influences in Thailand and Southeast Asia on various issues of political, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. The course will also look at Thai and Southeast Asian perceptions of and responses to Anglo-American involvement.

- Mr. Brian    Kennedy

EE 261 Thai Rural Development I

A study of economic, social, and political problems in rural areas, and the analysis of the causes of those problems; the effects of economic, social, and political structures on the rural sector; the analysis and comparison of past and present concepts including ways and means of rural development and their implementations. The teaching method of this course involves lectures and discussions in the classroom including field trips to a chosen rural area, if possible.

- Assoc.Prof. Sukum Attavavutichai
M.A., (Economics), University of Warwick, England

EE 360 Introductory Thai Economy

Study of structural characteristics of social and economic development of Thailand with emphases on development on agricultural, manufacuring and service sectors, the linkage between the Thai and the world economy as well as significant economic problems such as poverty and income distribution. Policy recommendations to solve these problems are also covered.

- Assoc.Prof.Dr. Lily Kosiyanoon

EE 361 Thai Rural Development II

A detailed and extensive qualitative and quantitative study of rural conditions of some assigned localities in Thailand by means of collecting information concerning physical, economic, social, and political potentialities, including education, health, and religion in such areas. This course requires a field study that involves working and living with the villagers within a specific time.

• The field-study lasts at least two months.
• The grading of this course will be either satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U).
  

- Assoc.Prof.Dr. Patamawadee Suzuki
Ph.D., (Agricultural Economics), Kyoto University

EE 460 Thai Economy

A study of the past and present economic structures of Thailand; major economic problems especially poverty, income distribution, rural development, agricultural development, industrial development, unemployment in rural areas, migrations, relations between development and international trade and finance.

- Assoc.Prof.Dr. Bhanupong Nidhiprabha
Ph.D., (Macro Economics, Monetory Economics), Johns Hopkins             University

JC 406 Mass Media and Society

A study of characteristics, roles, and significance of mass media as one of the important social institutions; emphasis on media-government relations, relations of media and other institutions; rights and social responsibilities of the media; media control; problems in promoting mass communication professionals in Thailand.

- Dr. Anucha Thirakanont
Ph. D. (Journalism) School of Journalism, Southern Illinois University -            Carbondale
M.S. (Journalism) School of Journalism, West Virginia University

- Ms. Pijitra Suppasawatgul
M.A. (Politics Department) University of Leeds, UK
M.A. (Global Media and Communications) London school of          Economics and Political Science, UK and University of Southern          California, U.S.A.

- Ms. Prapaipit Muthitacharoen
M.A. (Public Relations) Ball State University, U.S.A.

- Ms. Oraya Sutabutr
M.A. (English Literature) Universtiy of Victoria, Canada
B.A. (Psychology) Clark University, U.S.A.

PO 309 Business and Politics

*Available soon

PO 321 Thai Government and Politics

A study of Thai political culture, the features and trend of Thai politics, national ideology and political behavior, and major current problems of politics and government.

- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chalidaporn Songsampan
M.A. (Political Science)
Ph.D. (Political Science) The Claremont Graduate School, U.S.A.

- Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn
Ph.D. (Political Science) Kobe University, Japan
MSc (Local Governance) The University of Birmingham, UK

- Mr. Takashi  Tsukamoto

PO 370 Thai Foreign Affairs

A study of Thailand's foreign affairs both in the past and present with regard to policy patterns and determinants, policy making process, policy implementation, outcomes and impact.

- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chulacheeb Chinwanno
Ph.D. (Political   Science) Stanford University, U.S.A.
M.A. (East Asian Studies) Standford University, U.S.A.
M.A. Political Science
B.A. Political Science and International Relations, Swarthmore        College, U.S.A.

PO 371 Southeast Asian Affairs

A study of the foreign policies of SEA countries, their conduct of foreign policies toward each other, and in confronting international problems.

- Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitti  Prasirtsuk
B.A. , Thammasat University
M.A. , Keio  University
Ph.D. , University of California, Berkeley

TU 124 Society and Economy

Social and economic studies based on the subject of social science. Analysis of social and economic evolution worldwide and in Thailand. Emphasis on behavioral influence, social and politic values, tradition, culture and structure of classes to economic institutional system. Study the direction of economic institutional changes caused by the evolution of social system. Emphasis on evolution and internal connection of Thai economic systems (urban and rural). Structure of society and politics.

- Assist.Prof.Dr. Euamporn Phijaisanit
Ph.D., (Public Finance, International Trade), University of Exeter

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