1. Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
  2. School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
  3. Undergraduate
  4. Modern Languages and International Relations (Thai)

Modern Languages and International Relations (Thai)

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied if you choose Thai as your language pathway.

For information on typical modules for International Relations, please check the course page.

These modules may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Foundations of East Asia (20 credits) - The East Asian region is home to approximately 22% of the world’s population, 25% of the world’s GDP, and several of the world’s most significant political hot zones. Some knowledge of East Asia, in its complexity and on its own terms, is increasingly important not only to students of East Asia, but to all adults in the contemporary world. The module will provide an introduction to the geography of East Asia, and an overview of the cultural, political and social diversity of the countries that comprise East Asia. It will provide an outline of major historical developments, examine some of the continuing areas of that make the East Asian region a political hotbed from Taiwan to Tibet, and the cultural diversity that make it a fascinating and dynamic part of our world.

  • Basic Thai Language and Culture 1 (20 credits) - Learn the graceful Thai script and study the basic structures and vocabulary of modern spoken and written Thai for survival and communication in real life situations.Thai social customs, values and behaviour are taught through language study.

  • Basic Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits) - This module builds upon, and further develops, the oral, aural and written language skills developed in EAST1703, and seeks to extend and deepen students knowledge and understanding of the Thai grammar, syntax and basic vocabulary.It will extend students' ability to read and write short passages in the Thai script and to communicate on subjects they are likely to use in everyday situations.

  • Politics, Culture and Society (20 credits) - What are the key debates that shape the practice of politics at international level? How can theory helps us better understand and analyse the practice of politics in the world today? How can awareness of differing cultural and intercultural perspectives help us better understand contemporary international politics? This module will introduce these themes and explore them in relation to a range of issues drawn from around the world. Because they are shaped by the current research interests of the staff teaching the module, the precise topics covered will vary from year to year.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Year Abroad in Thailand (120 credits)

Year 3

Compulsory modules

  • The Making of Modern Thailand (20 credits) - Study how Thai's have constructed their national identity and how the Kingdom of Siam was transformed into the modern Thai nation state. In this module we will examine key contemporary debates on the interpretation of historical processes and events, and through analyses of Thai films and a variety of different texts, the complex processes of the making and sustaining of Thai national identity is explored. We will learn that history and tradition are not predetermined but are products of selection, emphasis, oblivion and (re)creation. We will examine how the writing of history is influenced by the need for political legitimacy and to maintain national identity. By critically examining a number of relevant texts and Thai films, students will explore major narratives of history and the ongoing debate on the "correct" interpretation of available historical sources. The module will also examine the impact Thai historiography has had on Thailand's relations with other nation-states in South East Asia.

  • Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 1 (20 credits) - The module will involve reading and discussing Thai newspaper and magazine articles. It will also involve extensive conversation, comprehension and composition exercise.The module will be delivered principally in Thai.

  • Intermediate Thai Language and Culture 2 (20 credits) - The module will be delivered principally in Thai. Students will read and discuss Thai newspaper and magazine articles, and watch Thai-language documentary programmes. It will also involve extensive conversation, comprehension and composition exercises.

Optional modules

  • Global Environmental Humanities (20 credits)

Year 4

Compulsory modules

  • Advanced Thai Language and Culture (20 credits) - The module, which is built on the level 2 Thai language modules, will completely be held in Thai and involve intensive and extensive reading and discussion of a range of materials in Thai, like TV programmes, films, historical documents, literary texts, newspaper articles and so on. Also, comprehension and composition will be practised intensively.

  • Final Year Project - Dissertation, Extended Translation, or Digital Documentary (e.g. Podcast) (40 credits) - This may be produced in either English or, subject to the approval of the Module Leader and project supervisor, the Target Language. Lectures and workshops provide the skills training necessary, whereas more specific guidance is provided through one to one supervision with a member of staff.

Optional modules

  • Women and Family in Chinese Society (20 credits)

  • Death and Religion in Japan (20 credits)

  • Globalising China and the Developing World (20 credits)

  • Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China (20 credits)

  • Buddhism: A Lived Tradition (20 credits)

  • Religion and Violence (20 credits)

  • Modern Japanese History (20 credits)

  • Japanese Cinema in the World (20 credits)

  • Representing the Holocaust: Transgression and the Taboo (20 credits)

  • Contemporary World Literature (20 credits)

  • Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption (20 credits)

  • Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents (20 credits)

  • Decolonial Approaches (20 credits)

  • Social Movements across Cultures (20 credits)

  • Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present (20 credits)

  • Linguists into Schools (20 credits)