While Thailand is often marketed to international tourists as a peaceful, pleasurable holiday destination, the massive political upheavals of recent years have proven to be a shocking counter-narrative to the touristic image of the serene, devoutly Buddhist kingdom. Using an interdisciplinary approach, this course will examine the history, culture, and politics of Siam/Thailand, in both national and regional perspective.

Some of the important historical and anthropological tropes covered in the content of the course will be: 

1. Siam has the unique status of never having been a colony of a European colonial power. How did this occur historically, and what have been the repercussions of this?
2. What is the role of Buddhism in Thai society? Conversely, how do non-Buddhist practices and other organized religions fit into the public and political arena?
3. What was Thailand’s role during the Cold War? To what extent are the current security/refugee issues dominating the Thai-Burma border a result of ongoing militarism in the region?
4. How has Thailand’s ethnic and gender pluralism shaped popular discourse and state policies? In what way are these social issues universal or particular to this context?
5. How can we understand popular culture in Thailand as embedded in local cultural practices of production and reception, or as part of a global trend?

Students will have a nuanced, critical understanding of historical and social processes in Thailand. Essay assignments will hone their expository and analytical skills, and a guided research project will sharpen their library research skills, as well as their ability to formulate effective research questions.

Essay Assignment 1 – 1,500 words  25%

Essay Assignment 2 – 1,500 words  25%

Final independent research project – 3,000 words  30%

Attendance/Participation 20%: The 20% valuation for attendance/participation in addition to showing up and participating in tutorials also includes two student-led presentations and critical summaries of the assigned readings.

Six university courses (36 units)

ASIA6076

Thongchai Winichakul, Siam Mapped.

Pasuk and Baker, A History of Thailand.