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Faculty of Political Science Thammasat University

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Faculty of Political Science

Thammasat University
Combined Bachelor and Master of Political Science
Program in Politics and International Relations
(English Program)
Table of Contents

1 Welcome to BMIR……………………………………………... 2

2 About Thammasat University…………………………………. 3

3 The Faculty of Political Science…………………………...…... 4

4 BMIR Program……………………………………………….… 5
4.1 Rationale and Objectives………………………………. 5
4.2 Application and Admission…………………………..... 6
4.3 Program Structure and Regulations……………............ 7
4.4 Tuition and Fees…………………………………….…. 8

5 Section A) – Combined Bachelor of Political Science in Politics and


International Relations………………………………………... 10
5.1 Student Assessment…………………….……………… 10
5.2 Degree Requirements………………………………….. 10
5.3 Curriculum……………………………………………... 12
5.4 Sample Study Plan……………………………………… 17
6 Section B) – Combined Master of Political Science in Politics and
International Relations…………………………………………..… 20
6.1 Admission to the Graduate Level…………………..…. 20
6.2 Study Plan…………………………………………….... 21
6.3 Sample Study Plan……………………………………… 22
6.4 Student Assessment………………………………..…... 23
6.5 Degree Requirements………………………………….. 24
6.6 Curriculum……………………………………………. 24

7 Academic Life………………………………………………….. 26
7.1 Course Registration………………………….………… 27
7.2 Absence for Examination…………………………….. 28
7.3 Leave and Suspension………………………………… 28
7.4 Warning and Probation……………………………… 29
7.5 Plagiarism……………………………………………… 30
7.6 Other Academic Activities……………………………. 31

8 Student Life………………………………………………….…. 32
8.1 Tha Prachan Campus……………………………….….. 33
8.2 Facilities on Campus………………………………….... 34
8.3 Accommodation………………………………………... 37
8.4 Transportation………………..………………………… 38
8.5 Extracurricular Activities……………………………… 40

9 Important addresses and websites…………………….………. 43

10 Frequently Asked Questions…………………….…………….. 45

11 Appendix A: Course Descriptions (Undergraduate Level)........ 48

12 Appendix B: Course Descriptions (Graduate Level)…….…….. 72

13 Appendix C: Standard of Coding………………….…………… 79

14 Appendix D: Map of Tha Prachan Campus…………………… 81


Direk Jayanama, Founder of the Faculty of Political Science
Thammasat University

1
1 Welcome to BMIR

Dear Students,

Welcome to the Combined Bachelor and Master of Political Science


Program in Politics and International Relations (BMIR), Faculty of
Political Science, Thammasat University, Thailand’s leading academic
institution.

You are starting a journey which will be exciting and meaningful for your
life. This is probably the first time for you to be fully responsible for the way
you manage your time between study, social life, sports and other activities
and the key to success is the right balance.

Throughout your studies, you will have a chance to learn from our
knowledgeable and well-known professors as well as prominent guest
lecturers from various fields and professions. In addition, our program
also provides you extra-curriculum activities; such as a study trip abroad
and an internship abroad, which will be valuable and beneficial
experiences for you.

The handbook is a very helpful guide to your study and student life during
your time at our faculty. It provides you vital information about our faculty
and program, requirements for graduation, as well as useful advice for your
academic success.

While the faculty’s staff will do as much as they can to support you during
your study, your success will depend mainly on your effort and degree of
your responsibility. If you need more information or assistance, please feel
free to come visit our office and discuss with our staff. We are sure that you
will find your time here the most enriching.

Best wishes,

Supasaward Chadchawarn, Ph.D.


Dean of Faculty of Political Science
Thammasat University

2
2 Thammasat University
Thammasat University, founded in 1933, is the second oldest university
in Thailand. It is one of Thailand’s leading institutions of higher
learning. The main campus at Tha Phrachan is the home of the graduate
and international programs. The second campus at Rangsit, in northern
Bangkok, is the center of undergraduate learning in all fields of study.

Founded as the “University of Moral and Political Sciences” Thammasat


has educated well over 240,000 graduates since its establishment, among
them many former prime ministers, senior politicians, diplomats as well
as leading scientists and artists. It now includes 35 faculties and
institutes that cover all ranges of scholarly research and education.

Thammasat University has established an innovative education center at


Pattaya in the eastern region of Thailand, with research facilities to meet
the needs for developing industrial technology, conducting advanced
research, training qualified personnel and doing applied research. There
is also a campus in Lampang in northern Thailand, where some faculties
offer undergraduate and graduate programs.

3 The Faculty of Political Science


The Faculty of Political Science, established in 1949, has a strong
tradition of public service. It offers a full spectrum of undergraduate and
graduate studies in three majors: Politics and Government, Public
Administration, and International Relations.

3
Graduate programs are offered to both regular students on a full-time
basis and to executives on a part-time basis. There is also a doctoral
program which was established in 2001.

In addition, it offers an international program for undergraduate studies,


which is the BMIR Program: the Combined Bachelor and Master of
Political Science in Politics and International Relations (English
Program).

The Faculty considers that study in political science prepares graduates


to have a strong foundation for understanding important political issues
that are local, domestic and international in scope. The mission of the
Faculty of Political Science is to provide a solid education about politics
that contributes to making people aware, active and responsible citizens
of Thailand and of the world.

4 BMIR Program

4.1 Rationale and Objectives


The Combined Bachelor and Master of Political Science Program in
Politics and International Relations (English Program), established since
2008, aims at providing high-quality education comparable to
international standards.

The Faculty of Political Science of Thammasat University sees the


importance of offering a taught program in English in the field of
politics and international relations that integrates theoretical approaches
with case studies, current issues as well as practical skills. It also gives a
4
priority to a diverse range of academic questions essential to the field of
politics and international relations.

The undergraduate studies of the BMIR program follow four objectives:


1. To provide academic knowledge as well as practical skills essential
in the field of politics, international relations and public
administration.
2. To stimulate interest in current issues and encourage the application
of theoretical learning into practical use.
3. To create ethical and moral awareness as well as social
responsibility.
4. To provide international knowledge in response to the labor market
in Thailand within the region and international organizations.

The postgraduate studies focus on teaching and assessment that meet


international standards in order for students to develop an expertise in
response to the labor market demands in Thailand and abroad. The
BMIR Program intends to educate students to be cognizant of and well
prepared for future employment in the field of politics and international
relations.

The objectives are:


1. To provide advanced academic knowledge and professional skills as
well as create ethical and moral awareness within the field of politics
and international relations.
2. To stimulate ability in supporting to world community.
3. To motivate creativity in knowledge and professional skills
comparable to international standards in order to respond to the
demands of the domestic and international labor market.

4.2 Application and Admission


Students applying for admission to the Combined Bachelor and Master
of Political Science Program in Politics and International Relations
(English Program) must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must meet the requirements indicated in item 7 of the
Thammasat University’s Bachelor Degrees Regulations (1997).
- Applicants must have a total GPA of at least 2.80 for the last four
terms before their application.
- Applicants must have obtained one of the following English
Language Proficiency certificates with the listed minimum result:
 TU-GET of at least 500
5
 TOEFL of at least 500 (PBT) / 170 (CBT) or 60 (IBT)
 IELTS of at least 5.5
 SAT with at least 50% in Writing and Critical Reading

Selection Criteria
Admission to the Combined Bachelor of Political Science Program in
Politics and International Relations (English Program) is separated from
the normal admission process to Thammasat University indicated in
Thammasat University publication. Applicants must pass a written
exam and an interview administered by the Faculty of Political Science,
Thammasat University.

4.3 Program Structure and Regulations


The Combined Bachelor and Master of Political Science Program in
Politics and International Relations (BMIR) is a two-tier program
enabling students to acquire and undergraduate and a graduate degree in
Political Science within five years. Upon completion of the full
program, graduates will be awarded the following two degrees:

1)
Full Name: Bachelor of Political Science (Politics and
International Relations)
Abbr. Name: B.Pol.Sc. (Politics and International Relations)

2)
Full Name: Master of Political Science (Politics and
International Relations)
Abbr. Name: M.Pol.Sc. (Politics and International Relations)

The Program operates on a fulltime bi-semester system. Each semester


consists of 16 weeks, while summer session consists of 6-8 weeks.
Summer session is an optional. For all BMIR classes the lecturing,
reading assignments, exams and class participation will be in English.

1st Semester 2nd Semester Summer Session


August – December January – May June – July

6
4.4 Tuition and Fees
 Undergraduate (per academic year)
- Thai Students: Estimated total 100,000 Baht
- Non-Thai Students: Estimated total 120,000 Baht

Enrollment fee (payable once) 400 Baht


Tuition fee (per credit) 2,000 Baht
Program fee (per semester) 10,000 Baht
Health fee (per semester) 125 Baht
Sport fee (per semester) 200 Baht
Activities fee (per semester) 200 Baht
Library fee (per year) 2,000 Baht
University fee
Thai Students
Regular semester 450 Baht
Summer session 225 Baht
Non-Thai Students
Regular semester 10,000 Baht
Summer session 5,000 Baht
Educational development fee (per semester) 2,400 Baht
Internet Service Provider Charge (per year) 1,600 Baht
Registration document fee
First semester enrolled 200 Baht
Regular semester 20 Baht
Summer session 10 Baht
Insurance fee (per year) 110 Baht

7
 Graduate (per academic year)
- Thai Students: Estimated total 99,000 Baht
- Non-Thai Students: Estimated total 126,000 Baht

Enrollment fee (payable once) 1,000 Baht


Tuition fee (per credit) 3,000 Baht
Program fee (per semester) 12,000 Baht
Document/textbook (per course / per semester) 2,000 Baht
Library fee (per semester) 4,000 Baht
University fee
Thai students 1,500 Baht
Non-Thai students 15,000 Baht
Internet service provider charge (per year) 1,600 Baht

5 Section A) – Combined Bachelor of Political Science


in Politics and International Relations

5.1 Student Assessment


Students are graded according to the Grade Point system as follows:

A B+ 5.1.1.1.1.1
B C+ C D+ D F
Point 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0

Depending on the course, grading will be done by a combination of


midterm and final exam, paper, presentation and/or class participation.
Attendance is mandatory, and students have to attend at least 80% of the
class in order to pass. The specific rules regarding grading and
attendance may vary from one course to the other. Students need to refer
to the course syllabus or ask the course instructor at the beginning of
each term.

All grades obtained are accounted for the students’ cumulative GPA. For
certain courses that have the grades “S” for satisfactory and “U” for
unsatisfactory, results will not be counted towards the students’ GPA.

5.2 Degree Requirements

8
 Students will be nominated for the Bachelor Degree of Political
Science
 Students must complete a minimum of 126 credits including
the general education courses of 30 credits, major courses of 90
credits and free elective courses of 6 credits.
 After having completed all of the curriculum requirements with
a GPA of at least 2.00.
 After having enrolled in the curriculum for at least 7 semesters.
 Students must submit a request to be nominated for their
degrees within the first 14 days of their final semester or the
first 7 days of their final summer session.

 Awarding an honor degree


- First-Class Honors will be granted for students who:
1. Complete all of the curriculum requirements within
4 years, not including leaves of absence
2. Achieve an overall GPA of at least 3.50
3. Have never been graded with U or any grade below C
4. Have never repeated any course or F

- Second-Class Honors will be granted for students who:


1. Complete all of the curriculum requirements within
4 years, not including leaves of absence
2. Achieve an overall GPA of at least 3.50
3. Have never been graded below C in major area courses
4. Have never been graded with U
5. Have never repeated any course or F

OR
- Second-Class Honors will be granted for students who:
1. Complete all of the curriculum requirements within
4 years, not including leaves of absence
2. Achieve an overall GPA of at least 3.25
3. Have never been graded below C in major area courses
4. Have never been graded with U
5. Have never repeated any course or F

9
5.3 Curriculum

Total credits required in this program 126 Credits

Curriculum Outline
1. General Education Courses 30 Credits
2. Major Requirements 90 Credits
2.1 Core Courses 30 Credits
2.2 Required Courses in Concentration 24 Credits
2.3 Elective Courses in Concentration 12 Credits
2.4 Minor Courses 21 Credits
2.5 Required Course in Faculty of Economics 3 Credits
3. Free Elective Courses (a minimum of) 6 Credits

Course Structure

1. General Education Courses (30 credits). Students must complete the


following general education credits.
1.1 Part 1 (21 credits) in the fields of anthropology, sociology,
science, mathematics, and languages in accordance with the university
requirements:
- Anthropology (3 credits)
TU.110 Integrated Humanities 2 (2-0-4)
- Sociology (3 credits)
TU.100 Civic Education (3 credits) 3 (3-0-6)
TU.120 Integrated Social Science 2 (2-0-4)
- Science and Mathematics (6 credits)
- Science (3 credits)
TU.130 Integrated Sciences and Technology 3 (3-0-6)
- Mathematics (3 credits) choose 1 course from these courses
TU.151 General College Mathematics 3 (3-0-6)
Or TU.152 Fundamental Mathematics 3 (3-0-6)
Or TU.153 General Concept of Computer 3 (3-0-6)
Or TU.154 Foundation of Mathematics 3 (3-0-6)
Or TU.155 Fundamental Statistics 3 (3-0-6)
Or TU.156 Introduction to Computer 3 (3-0-6)

10
- Languages (9 credits)
- Thai (3 credits)
TH.160 Basic Thai 3 (3-0-6)
Or TH.161 Thai Usage 3 (3-0-6)
- English (6 credits)
EL.070 English Course 1 no credit
EL.171 English Course 2 3 (3-0-6)
EL.172 English Course 3 3 (3-0-6)

1.2 Part 2 (9 credits) Students must complete the following courses in


accordance with the requirements of the Faculty of Political Science:
PI.120 Introduction to ASEAN Affairs 3 (3-0-6)
PI.121 Social Science and Humanities 3 (3-0-6)
in the Changing World
PI.122 Society, Technology and Science 3 (3-0-6)

2. Major Requirements (90 credits). Students are required to


successfully complete the following (with a passing grade):
2.1 Core Courses (30 credits) 10 courses, as follows:
PO.210 Introduction to Political Philosophy 3 (3-0-6)
PO.211 Introduction to Political Science 3 (3-0-6)
PO.271 Introduction to International Relations 3 (3-0-6)
PO.300 Social Science Methodology 3 (3-0-6)
PO.321 Thai Government and Politics 3 (3-0-6)
PO.380 Economics and International Politics 3 (3-0-6)
PI.200 English for Political Science Studies 3 (3-0-6)
PI.201 Administrative Law 3 (3-0-6)
PI.241 Introduction to Public Administration and 3 (3-0-6)
Public Policy
PI.280 Theories in International Politics and 3 (3-0-6)
Current Affairs

2.2 Required Courses in Concentration (24 credits) 8 courses as


follows:
PO.290 International Organizations 3 (3-0-6)
PO.291 International Law 3 (3-0-6)
PO.370 Thai Foreign Affairs 3 (3-0-6)
PO.371 Southeast Asian Affairs 3 (3-0-6)
PO.373 Foreign Relations and Policies in East Asia 3 (3-0-6)
PI.270 Diplomacy: Histories, Approaches and 3 (3-0-6)
Current Debates
PI.481 Seminar: Problems in International 3 (3-0-6)
Politics and Economic

11
PI.482 Seminar: Globalization, Regional Grouping 3 (3-0-6)
and the State

2.3 Required Courses in Faculty of Economics (3 credits) 1 course:


EE.210 Introductory Economics 3 (3-0-6)

2.4 Elective Courses in Concentration (12 credits). Students must


select 4 courses from the 2 groups as follows:
2.4.1 Area Studies Groups. Students must select 2 of the
following courses:
PO.375 Latin American Affairs 3 (3-0-6)
PO.376 Middle East Affairs 3 (3-0-6)
PO.385 Foreign Policy of Russia 3 (3-0-6)
PO.386 Foreign Policy of the United States of America 3 (3-0-6)
PO.387 European Affairs 3 (3-0-6)
PO.389 Foreign Policy of South Asian Countries 3 (3-0-6)
PI.373 ASEAN in Global Affairs 3 (3-0-6)
PI.374 China in the Current World Affairs 3 (3-0-6)
PI.378 Japan in the Current World Affairs 3 (3-0-6)

2.4.2 Approaches and Issues Groups. Students must select 2


of the following courses:
PI.274 Introduction to Comparative Foreign Policy 3 (3-0-6)
PI.278 Introduction to Peace Studies and Gender Studies 3 (3-0-6)
PI.375 International Management Analysis 3 (3-0-6)
PI.376 Alternative Approaches in International 3 (3-0-6)
Relations
PI.377 Strategic Studies 3 (3-0-6)
PI.379 Islam and Global Politics 3 (3-0-6)
PI.483 Seminar in International Conflict and Resolution 3 (3-0-6)
PI.484 Seminar in International Cooperation 3 (3-0-6)
PI.485 Seminar in Political Science 3 (3-0-6)

2.5 Minor Courses (21 Credits). Students must select 21 credits from 1
group.

2.5.1 Governance and Transnational Studies Group


2.5.1.1 Required Courses (9 credits). Students are required to
complete the 3 following courses:
PI.380 Nation State and Transnationalism 3 (3-0-6)
PI.381 Globalization and Governance 3 (3-0-6)
PI.382 The Politics of International Development 3 (3-0-6)

12
2.5.1.2 Elective Courses in Governance and Transnational Studies
Group (6 credits). Students must select 2 courses of the following
courses:
PI.383 Politics of Transnational Production 3 (3-0-6)
PI.384 State, Market and Governance 3 (3-0-6)
PI.385 Peace Studies 3 (3-0-6)
PI.386 Gender Studies 3 (3-0-6)
PI.387 Environmental Politics 3 (3-0-6)
PI.388 Human Security 3 (3-0-6)
PI.389 Transnational Issues and Civil Society 3 (3-0-6)

2.5.1.3 Elective Courses in the other groups (6 credits). Students


must select 2 courses from Public Administration and Public Policy
Group or Political Economy and International Political Economy Group.

2.5.2 Public Administration and Public Policy Group


2.5.2.1 Required Courses (9 credits) 3 courses as follows:
PI.340 Public Policy and Management in 3 (3-0-6)
the Global Context
PI.341 Policy Analysis and Evaluation: Concepts and 3 (3-0-6)
Techniques
PI.342 Organization and Human Resources 3 (3-0-6)
Management: Theories and Practices

2.5.2.2 Elective Courses in Public Administration and Public Policy


Group (6 credits). Students must select 2 courses from the following:
PI.343 Strategic Planning and Management 3 (3-0-6)
PI.344 Environmental Management and Policy 3 (3-0-6)
PI.345 Disaster and Emergency Management 3 (3-0-6)
PI.346 Urban Planning and Development Policy 3 (3-0-6)
PI.347 Fiscal and Budgeting 3 (3-0-6)
PI.348 Comparative Public Administration 3 (3-0-6)
PI.443 Seminar in Public Policy 3 (3-0-6)
PI.444 Seminar in Public Administration 3 (3-0-6)

2.5.2.3 Elective Courses in the other groups (6 credits). Students


must select 2 courses from Governance and Transnational Studies Group
or Political Economy and International Political Economy Group.

13
2.5.3 Political Economy and International Political
Economy Group
2.5.3.1 Required Courses (9 credits) 3 courses as follows:
PI.290 Introduction to Political Economy 3 (3-0-6)
PI.391 Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory 3 (3-0-6)
for Political and Economic Policies 3 (3-0-6)
PI.392 Comparative Political Economy 3 (3-0-6)

2.5.3.2 Elective Courses in Political Economy Group (6 credits).


Students must select 2 courses from the following:
PI.395 Political Economy in East Asia 3 (3-0-6)
PI.396 Political Economy in Southeast Asia 3 (3-0-6)
PI.397 Game Theory for Political Scientists 3 (3-0-6)
PI.398 Public Choice 3 (3-0-6)
PI.399 Global Political Economy of Trade and Finance 3 (3-0-6)
PI.493 Special Issue in Political Economy 3 (3-0-6)
PI.494 Political Economy of Development 3 (3-0-6)

2.5.2.3 Elective Courses in the other groups (6 credits). Students


must select 2 courses from Governance and Transnational Studies Group
or Public Administration and Public Policy Group.

3. Free Elective Courses (6 credits)


14
Students must select 2 courses from any courses provided by
Thammasat University except the General Education courses both part 1
and part 2 which in “TU”. Including the general education courses
(Language) and PI.574 Internship and Training in Politics, Political
Economy and International Relations

Sample Study Plan

First Year
First Semester Credits
TU.100 Civic Education 3
TU.110 Integrated Humanities 2
TU.120 Integrated Social Sciences 2
Selection from Mathematics group in Part 1 (1 subject) 3

TH.161 Thai Usage (or Introduction to Thai Language) 3

EL.171 English Course 2 3


PI.120 Introduction to ASEAN Affairs 3
Total 19
Second Semester Credits
TU.130 Integrated Science and Technology 2
EL.172 English Course 3 3
PO.211 Introduction to Political Science 3
PO.291 International Law 3
PI.121 Social Science and Humanities in the Changing 3
World
PI.122 Society, Technology and Science 3
Total 17

15
Second Year
First Semester Credits
PO.210 Introduction to Political Philosophy 3
PO.271 Introduction to International Relations 3
PI.200 English for Political Science Studies 3
PI.201 Administrative Law 3
PI.241 Introduction to Public Administration and Public 3
Policy
PI.270 Diplomacy: Histories, Approaches and Current 3
Debates
Total 18
Second Semester Credits
PO.290 International Organizations 3
PO.321 Thai Government and Politics 3
PI.280 Theories in International Politics and Current Affairs 3
EE.210 Introductory Economics 3
Minor course (Required) 3
Minor course (Required) 3
Total 18

Third Year
First Semester Credits
PO.300 Social Science Methodology 3
PO.370 Thai Foreign Affairs 3
PO.371 Southeast Asian Affairs 3
PO.380 Economics and International Politics 3
Minor course (Required) 3
Elective Course 3
Total 18

16
Second Semester Credits
PO373 Foreign Relations and Policies in East Asia 3
PI.481 Seminar: Problems in International Politics and Economics 3
PI.482 Seminar: Globalization, Regional Grouping and the 3
State
Minor course (Elective) 3
Minor course (Elective) 3
Elective Course 3
Total 18

Summer
Credits
Elective Course 3
Elective Course 3
Total 6

Fourth Year
First Semester Credits
Minor course (Elective) 3
Minor course (Elective) 3
Free Elective Course 3
Free Elective Course 3
Total 12

17
6 Section B) – Combined Master of Political Science in
Politics and International Relations

6.1 Admission to the graduate level

Students applying for the Combined Master of Political Science Program


in Politics and International Relations (English Program) must meet the
following requirements:
- Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree from Combined
Bachelor of Political Science in Politics and International
Relations, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University
with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
- Applicants who have a cumulative GPA lower than 3.00 must
pass a written entrance examination in Politics and
International Relations administered by the Faculty of Political
Science
- Applicants must meet the requirements indicated in Item 8 of
the Thammasat University Graduate School regulations
(1998), the 2nd Edition (2003) and the 3rd Edition (2012).

6.2 Study Plan


The master’s thesis student must obtain no less than 39 credits
for graduation. Students will conduct and defend a Thesis (in English)
which is equivalent to 12 credits and study 27 credits of coursework.
Thesis
1. Students are allowed to register for thesis writing after no
less than 2 semesters of study or having no less than 12 accumulated
credits with a minimum cumulative GPA 3.00.
2. The thesis must be written in English.
3. Once students register to write a thesis, the outline of thesis
must be presented to the thesis committee.
4. The Thesis Committee includes;

A major adviser is a member of Faculty of Political Science,


Thammasat University and hold a Ph.D. or Associate Professorship.
Co-advisers are either a faculty member at Thammasat
University or a well-recognized expert in the research area and have
experience in conducting research. The thesis under supervision may not
contain, in whole or in part, material which is counted towards credit for
this or any other degree.

18
Thesis defending
1. The committee consists of at least 3 persons: academic
advisor; at least one faculty member; outsider-person who also has the
same academic qualifications as an advisor and co-advisor, mentioned in
8.4.1.4. Advisor and co-advisor might be a committee, but not a
Chairperson.
2. Receive a “P” in English Proficiency.
3. Defending thesis must comply with the Thammasat
University’s Regulation on Graduated School, and students must receive
“S” consensus from the committee.

6.3 Sample Study Plan


First Year
First Semester
Required Courses Credits
PI 601 Research Methods in International Relations 3
PI 610 Globalization and International Relations: 3
Institutions, Approaches and Processes
PI 630 International Regimes and Organization 3
PI 640 International Law and International Relations 3
PI 690 Global Governance and International 3
Political Economy
15
Summer Session
Required Course Credits
PI 801 Pre-Thesis 3
Oral Thesis Proposal Exam

Second Semester
Elective Courses Credits
PI xxx Elective Course 3
PI xxx Elective Course 3
PI xxx Free Elective Course 3
9
Second Year
First Semester
Research Course Credits
PI 800 Thesis 12
Overall of credits 39

19
6.4 Student Assessment
Students in the graduate section of the program are assessed according to
the following scale:
Grade A A- B+ B B- C+ C D F
Point 4.00 3.67 3.33 3.00 2.67 2.33 2.00 1.00 0.00

Total credits counted include courses with “S” or at least “C” only.
Students who receive a “U” “D” or “F” in any course in this program
may re-take that course only once. Students re-taking any course must
receive at least an “S” or a “C”. Any students receiving any grade lower
will be eliminated from the program. Student who receive at least “C” in
any course are not allowed register in that course again.

For the Thesis, the grades “S” for satisfactory and “U” for unsatisfactory
exist. Students must receive an “S”. If the thesis remains uncompleted,
an “I” will be recorded in the transcript.

For Foreign Language Examination, there is a “P” for pass and “N” for
not pass. Students must receive a “P”.

Other requirements please refer to the Thammasat University Graduate


School regulations (2010).

6.5 Degree Requirements

Students must complete all courses according to the Combined


Master of Political Science Program in Politics and International
Relations (English Program) Curriculum and follow all rules, regulations
of the Faculty of Political Science.
- Students must attain a minimum cumulative grade point
average of 3.00.
- Students must receive an “S” in Thesis plan and his or her
thesis or part of the thesis must be published or being accepted to be
published in an academic publication or being presented in an academic
conference, which also has a proceeding thereafter.
- Students must receive a “P” in Foreign Language in
accordance with University’s rule. Accredited English tests include TU-
GET with a minimum score of 550 points; TOEFL with a minimum
score of 550 points for the paper-based exam or 213 points for the
computer-based exam and at least 79 points for the Internet-based exam;
and IELTS at least the 6.0 level.
20
6.6 Curriculum

Total credits in this course 39 Credits

Course Structure
Required Courses 18 Credits
Elective Courses 6 Credits
Free Elective Course 3 Credits
Thesis 12 Credits
Total of credits 39 Credits

Course of Studies
 Required Courses All students must acquire 18 credits
from the following required courses:
PI.601 Research Methods in International 3 (3-0-9)
Relations
PI.610 Globalization and International Relations: 3 (3-0-9)
Institutions, Approaches and Processes
PI.630 International Regimes and Organizations 3 (3-0-9)
PI.640 International Law and International Relations 3 (3-0-9)
PI.690 Global Governance and International Political 3 (3-0-9)
Economy
PI.801 Pre-thesis 3 (0-0-12)

 Elective Courses Student must study only one major field


group from 3 fields of the following;
1. Governance and Transnationalism
2. Public Administration and Public Policy
3. Political Economy and International Political Economy
Two courses (worth 6 credits) are offered as elective courses.
Furthermore students choose one free elective course (worth 3 credits),
according to their interest in an alternative field group:

Group 1: Governance and Transnationalism


PI.623 Human Security: Discourse and Practice 3 (3-0-9)
PI.627 Marginality and Global Politics 3 (3-0-9)
PI.629 Politics, Space and Culture 3 (3-0-9)
PI.633 International Development: Theory and Practice 3 (3-0-9)
PI.674 Multilateralism 3 (3-0-9)
PI.677 Selected Topics in Governance and 3 (3-0-9)
Transnationalism
21
Group 2: Public Administration and Public Policy
PI.643 Intergovernmental Relations in Public Policy 3 (3-0-9)
PI.644 Cross-Cultural Management in Public 3 (3-0-9)
Organizations
PI.648 Environmental and Disaster Policy and 3 (3-0-9)
Management
PI.649 Selected Topics in International Public Policy 3 (3-0-9)
PI.743 Advanced Public Policy and Management 3 (3-0-9)

Group 3: Political Economy and International Political


Economy

PI.693 Global Political Economy of Financial Crisis 3 (3-0-9)


PI.694 State Strategies in Global Political Economy 3 (3-0-9)
PI.695 Selected Topics in Global Political Economy 3 (3-0-9)
PI.793 Advanced Theories in International Political 3 (3-0-9)
Economy
PI.794 Advanced Microeconomic and Macroeconomic 3 (3-0-9)
Theory for Political and Economic Policies

 Thesis Plan
PI.800 Thesis 12 (0-0-48)

7 Academic Life
Starting out as a student is a very exciting time. There are many rules and
regulations that need to be observed, a new environment in which to fit
in and many new people to meet. This time of change holds many
challenges to new students and also many rewards.

To make the first semester easier, the following chapters clarify some
topics that are often a bit confusing for first-year students. In order to
stay abreast of the formal requirements of their studies, new BMIR
students should also refer to Thammasat University’s Regulations for
Undergraduate Degrees, which are available online at the website of the
Registrar’s Office

22
7.1 Course Registration
Students find out about the course offerings for each year through
program announcements on the BMIR website
(www.polsci.tu.ac.th/bmir). Once they decide, which courses to take,
students must complete their course registration in the registration period
that will be announced on the BMIR website.

Registration must be done via online on the specified date by the BMIR
Program for each semester.

All matters of course registration, including adding and dropping of


courses are done via the online registration mask on the website of the
Registrar’s Office (www.reg.tu.ac.th). Students have to log in the
registration system on the website and proceed to the menu point
‘Enroll’. Full-time students must register for no less than 9 credits and no
more than 22 credits in each regular semester or register for no more than
6 credits in summer session according to the requirements indicated in
Item 10.4 of the Thammasat University’s Bachelor Degrees Regulations,
the 3rd Edition (2012).

| Adding a Course |
With advisor’s or course instructor’s approval, students may
register for additional courses not later than the adding/dropping period (the
first 14 days of regular semester/ the first 7 days of summer session).
Registration for additional courses beyond this period will be permitted only
under certain circumstances by the Dean’s approval.

| Dropping a Course |
Students may withdraw from courses provided that the
student overall registration does not fall below 9 credits (unless the
students obtain an approval from the Dean). The withdrawn courses will
not appear on the students’ academic record if students drop
courses within the adding/dropping period (the first 14 days of regular
semester/ the first 7 days of summer session).

| Course Withdrawal |
o Students may withdraw from a course within the
withdrawal period (the first 10 weeks of regular semester/
the first 4 weeks of summer session). The courses will be
recorded with the letter ‘W’ (Withdrawn) on the academic
record.

23
o Withdrawal courses beyond the withdrawal period will be
permitted only under certain circumstances by the Dean’s
approval.

7.2 Absence for Examination

In case a student is unable to attend an examination due to unavoidable


circumstances, the student or designated person may file a petition to the
instructor of the course for consideration.
Upon approval, the student may withdraw from the course with letter
“W” on the academic record, or will be assessed according to the
instructor. If not approved, the student will be assessed based on previous
course works.

7.3 Leave and Suspension

 Leave
 Students may apply for a leave of absence along with an
appropriate reason approved by the Dean.
 The first-year students cannot apply for a leave during the first 2
semesters unless a special permission is granted by the Rector.
 Students cannot apply for a leave in more than two consecutive
semesters (not including summer session) unless a special
permission is granted by the Rector.
 A leave will result in one of the following cases:
 If applied within the first 14 days of regular semester,
that semester will be marked as “LEAVE” in student’s academic
record and students must pay fees for maintaining student status.
 After the first 14 days of regular semester but not later
than the first 10 weeks of regular semester, all the enrolled
courses in the current semester will appear as W in the academic
record.
 A leave beyond the first 10 weeks of regular semester
cannot be allowed unless there is an appropriate reason and an
approval must be granted by the Dean or the Rector depending
on circumstances. All the enrolled courses in the current
semester will appear as W in the academic record.

 Suspension
A student who is suspended from studying due to disciplinary cause
must pay a fee for maintaining student status as the following cases:

24
 Suspension effective in the following semester where tuition and
fees are already paid, the suspended student will be refunded for the
tuition and fees, but he/she must pay a fee for maintaining the
student status instead.
 Leave and suspension cannot be claimed as a reason to extend the
maximum limit of 7 years to complete the degree requirements.
 Suspension during the current semester, all enrolled courses are
deleted from the academic record.

7.4 Warning and Probation


 Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of
2.00.
 If GPA drops below 2.00 in any semester, students will receive a
WARNING.
 Receiving a WARNING for two consecutive semesters, students will
be placed on PROBATION in the next semester.
 If students fail to regain their GPA to at least 2.00 after one semester
on PROBATION, students will be dismissed from the University.
 Grades of summer session are considered as part of the second semester
grades, and therefore do not affect student’s academic status of previous
semester.
Example:
semester 1/2013 GPA = 2.00
semester 2/2013 GPA = 1.86 ◊ WARNING 1
summer 2013 GPA = 1.97 ◊ WARNING 1 not WARNING 2
 First-year students with GPA 2.00 but not lower than 1.50 will not be
given a WARNING.
 First-year students with GPA lower than 1.50 will be given a
WARNING (a special warning).
 If students fail to regain their GPA to at least 1.50 within the first two
semesters, they will be DISMISSED from the University.

7.5 Plagiarism
The BMIR program takes plagiarism seriously. Plagiarism is the
inclusion of any material derived from published or unpublished work
without any acknowledgment of the author(s). Any student caught
plagiarizing, intentional or not, will face punitive measures that are up to
the course lecturer. In the worst case, plagiarism can result in the student
failing that subject. Examples of acts of plagiarism (but not limited to)
include the following:

25
- Copying someone else’s work in whole or in part without
proper referencing.
- Copying work of a fellow classmate with or without their
acknowledgement.
- Using statistics and tables without acknowledging the original
source of information.
- Summarizing or paraphrasing someone else’s work, ideas,
arguments or thoughts without acknowledging the original
source.
- Submitting one piece of work to two or more different subjects.

All assessed work must be referenced properly. All kinds of referencing


is acceptable (but not limited to the traditional and the Harvard systems)
as long as it is consistently used throughout an assessed piece of work
and used correctly. Please consult your lecturer for correct referencing.

7.6 Other academic activities


Apart from the courses that form the core of the BMIR Program,
there are a number of other academic activities that offer valuable
experiences in the field of International Relations.

Conferences and Seminars


In addition to their regular coursework, students can attend a number of
conferences and seminars that are held in irregular intervals, such as the
yearly student organized conference on topics of Politics and
International Relations or the Diplomatic Forum at Thammasat (DFAT)
that offers the chance of experiencing first-hand contact with seasoned
diplomatic personnel.

Annual International Conference on


International Relations and Development

26
International Exchange
Thammasat University has established partnerships with a variety of
prestigious universities in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia, which
BMIR students can visit for a semester or a whole year of exchange.
More information can be found at the Office of International Affairs’
website.

In addition to that, the Faculty of Political Science has a number of


exchange programs which are only open to Political Science students
(whereas all Thammasat students can apply to the above-mentioned
programs). These include LMU Munich in Germany, Halmstad
University in Sweden, Nottingham Trent University in England. More
universities are being added to this list, so students are advised to check
with the BMIR website and the BMIR staff regularly on the complete list
of exchange partners.

It’s advisable for students to do their international exchange during the


third years of BMIR studies.

Internship
During the summer session of their third year, BMIR students are
encouraged to undertake an internship either within an international
organization or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within Thailand or with a
Thai embassy or consulate abroad. The internship will be credited and is
also listed under the course description PI 574 Internship and Training in
Politics, Political Economy and International Relations (see Appendix
A).

8 Student Life
There is more to being a student than just cracking the books and
attending classes. Apart from broadening their intellectual horizons and
learning about the world, students will connect with their peers and join
them in many fun activities. Being a part of Thammasat University
means being a part of the ongoing project of learning, exchanging
thoughts and ultimately making the world a better place.

All the while, studying at Tha Prachan Campus in the heart of Bangkok
is a unique experience all in itself, and students will find out about the
manifold opportunities and activities that will enrich their lives during
their time with BMIR.

27
8.1 The Tha Prachan Campus

Thammasat University’s main campus at Tha Prachan is located on the


banks of the Chao Phraya River, in Bangkok’s old heart, tucked away
from the Central Business District. It is surrounded by many cultural and
historical landmarks, such as the Grand Palace, the Temple
of the Emerald Buddha, the National Museum, the Museum of Siam and
the National Theatre.

Facing the Chao Phraya, the Tha Prachan Campus provides the serenity
needed for studying as well as a picturesque scenery. The campus was
the backdrop for a host of important events in Thai history, and this
historic feel blended with modern facilities and the closeness of
many different faculties presents
a conducive atmosphere for
academic thinking and learning.

The surrounding
areas are lively, with many
fabulous eateries at the Tha
Prachan Pier or along Phra Athit
Road, or the hustle and bustle of
the Khao San Road area, where
markets, shops, cafes and bars
abound. Just across the river, the
area around Siriraj Hospital
provides more markets and
restaurants as well as pharmacies
and world-class medical services.

28
8.2 Facilities on the Campus

(Please refer to the Campus Map (Appendix D) to find the location


of the following facilities.)

 Pridi Bhanomyong Library


The main Thammasat library has 10 branch libraries and a collection of
well over 600,000 books and documents in Thai, English and other
languages, as well as over 2,600 titles of periodicals and newspapers.
The main branch is located underground next to the Faculty of
Economics. Audio-visual aids are available for students and faculty
during office hours. The library offers modern computerized facilities
and services.

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.


Saturday/Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 9.30 p.m.

With your student ID card, you have access to the following library
materials and services:
- Periodicals and newspaper
- Book search
- Private study rooms
- Multimedia section (movies, documentaries, music, etc.)
- CD-ROM and DVD format
- Computer lab with Internet access
- Printing
- Photocopy
- Inter-library loan service

 Direk Jayanama Library


Located at the 5th floor of the Faculty of Political Science Building, the
Direk Jayanama Library offers about 32,000 books, text books, journals
and articles in Thai and English. This library is dedicated to the study of
Political Science, and students can find most sources they might need for
their research and studies in this facility.
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-19:00
Saturday 9:00-18:00
Sunday closed

 Book Shop
The Thammasat Book Shop is located next to the Tha Prachan gate at the
southern end of the campus. In addition to a vast selection of textbooks and

29
other academic reading, this place offers Thammasat memorabilia and
accessories which make great gifts and allow you to show your school pride.
This is also the place to stock up on stationary and other important student
supplies.

 Computer Labs
Computer labs which are open to all students can be found at the following
locations:
- 4th floor of the Political science Building
- U2 floor of the main library

 Photo Shop:
There are several photo shops located around Tha Prachan Pier that you
can take a photo and buy the film.

 Printing Service
Students can find printing service at the following spots on Prachan
campus:
- Political Science Building (5th floor in the library, 4thfloor, 1st floor)
- The computer lab and the photocopy shop, U2 and U3 floor in the
main library

 Photocopy:
Photocopy service can be found at the following locations:
- Political Science Building (5th floor in the library, 1st floor)
- Language Institute (ground floor)
- Main library (floor U2, U3)
- Economics Building (ground floor, near the river)
- Liberal Arts Building (ground floor)

 Post Office & Overseas Fax:


The post office with overseas fax service available is located in front of
the Dome building (location 13 on the map), facing the football field.
Also it is located opposite of Grand Palace, Na Pra Lan (the fee is
cheaper than the post office in TU)

 Wireless Network
Wi-fi access is available throughout the campus. Students with personal
laptops can access to the Internet with password via this wireless network
for free.

30
 Health Care:
Students have full access to health services provided by the University
such as free-of-charge essential healthcare during weekdays. The health
center clinic is located on the first floor of the Main Auditorium (location
19 on the map). The services offered range from first-aid services to
diagnosis and medical aid, dental services, counseling and hospital
referral. Across the river, Siriraj hospital or the private Thonburi hospital
or Chaophya hospital offer the full range of medical services beyond the
once covered by the university’s own healthcare.

 Fitness Center
Tha Prachan Campus opens a fitness center at the ground floor of
Gymnasium Building. The center is opened during Monday to Friday
from 3.30 to 8.30 p.m. It's free of charge for TU students and staff

8.3 Accommodation
Thammasat does not provide on-campus dormitories for students but we
suggest a list of private apartments located nearby the campus because
traffic jams are the norm rather than the exception in a city like Bangkok.
Thus, areas close to Tha Prachan, such as Pinklao or Banglamphu, are
preferred living places for many students.

The rate is approximately 5,000 – 10,000 Baht per month and 10,000 –
11,000 Baht for deposit. Below please find the suggested list of the
apartments:

Unfurnished Housing:
 3J Court (Rate: 5,000-14,400 Baht)
Address: Somdejprapinklao Soi 3, Bangyikhan, Bangprad,
Bangkok 10700 Thailand
Website: www.3jcourt.com/ Tel: 66 2883 3660-3
 Pinkaew Apartment (Rate: 4,500-5,500 Baht)
Address: 120/5 Soi Thepnakarin Aroonamrin Road,
Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700 Thailand
Tel: 66 2882 3456 (Automatic 30 Lines)
 Pintip Apartment (Rate: 4,800-6,900 Baht)
Address: 622/208, 622/219 Somdejpapinkloa Road,
Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700 Thailand
Tel: 02-434-5362-71, 02-434-5413
 M N Residence (Rate: 5,000-20,000 Baht)

31
Address: 80 Soi Samsen 5, Samsen Road, Pranakorn, Bangkok
10200 Thailand
Website: www.mnplace.net/main/index.html Tel: 02-628-7800,
02-281-4581

Fully-furnished Housing:
 Teerin Mansion (Rate: 7,000-7,500 Baht)
Address: 92 Barommarajchachonnanee Rd., Bangbumru,
Bangplad, Bangkok 10700
Website: www.teerin.co.th/mansion
Tel. 02-434-0676

 Website: Ruen Indra Court (Rate: 6,500-7,500 Baht)


Address: 10 Arun-amarin Rd., Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700
Website: www.ruenindra.com/
Tel. 02-434-1349, 02-883-1955
 Rattanakosin Island Condominium (Rate: 8,000-24,000
Baht)
Address: 171/38 Pinklao Road, Bangkok-noi, Bangkok 10700
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/rattanakosincondo/
Tel. 081-556-7333
 Juan Manee (Rate: 6,500-7,500 Baht)
Address: 276 Soi Samsen 2, Samsen Road, Banglamphu, Ban
Phan Thom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok 10200
www.rentapartmentinbangkok.com/rentroombangkok.html
Tel: 02-628-5800
 Amarin Mansion (Rate: 6,500-9,500 Baht)
Address: 49/2 Soi Arun Amarin 39 Arun Amarin Road,
Bangkoknoi Bangkok 10700
Website: www.amarinmansion.com/
Tel: 02-882-4848

8.4 Transportation

There are many different options of getting to the Tha Prachan campus,
ranging from boat to bus to driving your own car. Most people probably
rely on a combination of transport means to reach the campus. It is
suggested to use public transportation if possible, in order not to add to
Bangkok’s growing traffic and environmental problems.

32
Since the roads around Tha Prachan Campus are notoriously congested,
the boat is actually one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get to
Thammasat. Chao Phraya Express Boat Co. operates the boat lines along
the river. They have the Local Line (9-13 Baht), the orange
Express Line (15 Baht) and the fastest one, the green-yellow Express
Line (20 Baht). For students travelling from downtown (Pathumwan,
Ratchathewi, Bang Rak or Sathorn), it is best to take the BTS (skytrain)
to “Saphan Taksin” station and from there take either boat line to
Thammasat. Since Tha Prachan pier itself is not served by these express
lines, travelers conveniently disembark at Wanglang (Siriraj) Pier and
cross the river to Tha Prachan by the local ferryboat. Students travelling
from Nonthburi or other locations in upriver, take either express line to
Phra Pinklao Bridge or to Wanglang (Siriraj) and cross from there to Tha
Prachan by ferry boat.
The other option of public transport is taking the bus. There is a
multitude of bus services, connectiong Tha Prachan campus to different
parts of the city, and anybody new to Bangkok might be a bit confused
by the many different colors and prices of busses. Prices range from 7
Baht to 22 Baht, depending on where on the starting point and type of
bus used. The following busses service Sanam Luang and the Tha
Prachan Campus, but students should refer to www.bmta.co.th to find out
about their specific route.

Busses to Sanam Luang: 1, 2, 3, 9, 15, 19, 25, 30, 32, 33, 39, 42, 43, 44,
47, 53, 59, 60, 64, 68, 70, 79, 80, 82, 91, 123, 124, 201, 203, 503, 508,
512

If commuting from outside of town, it is often best to take the MRT


(subway) or BTS (skytrain) into the city to get as close to Thammasat as
you can. Many busses connect the Tha Prachan campus with “National
Stadium”, “Victory Monument” BTS stations or the “Hualamphong”
MRT station for example.

33
8.5 Extracurricular activities
Being a student means more than attending classes and learning about
your chosen field of studies. It also means learning for life and enjoying
the experience along the way. The diverse extracurricular activities
offered to BMIR students emphasize this aspect of student life. Some
examples are:

Student Clubs
There are various student activities organized by student clubs, ranging
from athletics to music, games, debate, major-specific clubs to religious
activities. The best way to find out about the multitude of available clubs
is by connecting with your seniors and students from other faculties. And
there is of course always the option of founding your own club to
organize the activities that you like.

Orientation Trip

BMIR Orientation
Each year, just before the semester starts, the new BMIR students join
their seniors and some of the program staff on an orientation trip to a
destination near Bangkok. This trip is meant for the students to get to
know each other and learn more about the BMIR Program. It is a joyful
event of group activities and games which strengthens the bonds between
new and old students, and sets the mood for the forthcoming studies.

Political Science Student Committee of Thammasat University


(Kor Nor)
The elected student body (Kor Nor) organizes academic and
extracurricular events ranging from orientation to conferences, sport
events, informal or formal discussions and much more. An example is
the yearly Singh Kuen Tham event, during which the new Political
Science students (Singh Daeng – Red Lions) are welcomed to Tha
Prachan Campus. The Kor Nor is the political representative body of the

34
students, and all BMIR students are encouraged to participate actively in
realizing the full potential of the Kor Nor.

Happy Hour
Roughly once a month, the BMIR staff organizes an informal get-
together between BMIR students and professors to discuss topics
relevant to the Program and answer any of the students’ questions.

BMIR Study Trip

Trip in Vietnam

Annually, BMIR will provide the field trip for the third-year student to
get exposure to "real" world and the opportunity to make connections
with others. Students on field trip visit people and places to observe and
get knowledge on International Relations and Development, especially in
Southeast Asian countries.

Field Trip in BMIR courses

Field Trip @ Webster University Field Trip @ United Nations

35
Field Trip in Environmental Politics course @Bangkhuntien

Other Activities

Tha Phrachan Games (Sports Day)

9 Important addresses and websites

36
BMIR Program
The BMIR Program is located on 2nd Floor of the Faculty of Political
Science Building at Thammasat University.
Office hours:
Monday - Friday 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Mailing Address:
Tha Phrachan Campus.
Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University
2 Prachan Rd. Bangkok 10200 THAILAND
Phone: (66) 02-613-2304
Fax: (66) 02-226-5652
E-mail: bmir.thammasat@gmail.com

Websites
- BMIR Program www.polsci.tu.ac.th/bmir/
- BMIR Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/BMIR-
Program/267492002965
- Faculty of Political Science www.polsci.tu.ac.th/
- Singh Daeng Forum http://singhadang.freeforums.org/
- Thammasat University www.tu.ac.th/eng/
- Registrar’s Office http://reg.tu.ac.th
- Thammasat Library Search http://search.library.tu.ac.th/
- Thammasat International Office http://interaffairs.tu.ac.th/
- Visa Regulations (Ministry of
Foreign Affairs) www.mfa.go.th/web/2637.php
- Immigration Bureau
- Bangkok Mass Transport www.immigration.go.th
Authority www.bmta.co.th
- International Studies
Association www.isanet.org/
- Ministry of Education
www.moe.go.th/English/

37
10 Frequently Asked Questions

 Where will my classes be held?


All courses in the BMIR curriculum will be held at Tha Prachan Campus,
most of them in the Faculty of Political Science building (see Appendix
D). Classes held by other faculties, in particular the general education
classes of the lower semesters, may be held in other buildings on the Tha
Prachan Campus. Students are free to attend other classes offered at other
faculties, if the rules and regulations of these faculties allow their
attendance. In case, students want to attend classes at Rangsit Campus,
they are advised to schedule their coursework in order to minimize their
daily traveling between both campuses.

 How do I move on from the undergraduate to the graduate


level?
See chapter 6.1 “Admission to graduate level”.

 Do I need to proceed to the Master's program after I have


completed the Bachelor's?
There are many advantages to completing the entire 5 years of the BMIR
program. Leaving the program prematurely would mean that you'll need
an extra two years and a half in order to complete a master's degree from
a different institution. In case you do find a job after you have completed
your Bachelor's degree, there is an option of joining the MIR program
which holds classes during the weekend.

 Do I need to use English in all my exams?


English is the sole language of instruction in the BMIR Program.
Therefore, you need to use English in all written and oral exams as well
as for your class presentations or class participation.

 How do I find out what courses are offered?


For the BMIR classes, please refer to the BMIR website
(www.polsci.tu.ac.th/bmir), where all offered courses will be posted prior
to the start of each semester. Information about the lecturers and rooms
of each class will be posted as well.
 How do I get the information about class timetables,
required readings/textbooks and exam timetable?
In the first session of each class, the instructor will inform the students
about required reading material such as textbooks, articles or other
documents. The class timetable/syllabus will be passed out and the dates
for midterm and final exams will be announced. In addition, the class
38
instructor will set out the criteria for student assessment (a combination
of written exam(s), class participation, student presentation and/or paper)
and announce the rules for absence.

 How do I contact my lecturer?


Students are encouraged to speak to contact their lecturers personally
after class. Many members of the faculty also have fixed consultation
hours posted on their office or on their website. If you need to reach your
lecturer outside of his or her consultation hours, please contact the BMIR
office. The staff will forward your question or put you in touch with the
lecturer directly.

 What happens if I fail a course?


In the case of a course failure, students will have to retake the class when
it is next offered. There are no re-examinations.

 How do I find out what's happening on campus?


The best way is to get in touch with your seniors and with student
organizations such as the Kor Nor or other groups. Furthermore, events
are frequently posted at various blackboards around the campus, in the
Faculty of Political Science elevator and other sites. Activities and events
regarding Political Science will also frequently be posted on the BMIR
website, so check it regularly.

 Does the BMIR Program offer accommodation for BMIR


students?
Accommodation is generally considered students’ private affairs. The
BMIR Program only recommends students to stay near Tha Prachan
Campus in order to save time and costs on transportation. Please refer to
Chapter 7.2 for further information.
 Do students have to participate in Pre-session and/or the
Orientation activity?
Both, the pre-session and the Orientation activity are not compulsory.
That means you don’t have to participate in them. Nevertheless, it is
highly recommended for new BMIR students to take part in both
activities. The pre-session provides students with essential language
skills that are necessary for their further studies. And the Orientation
activities are a very good way to get to know the other students as well as
the Faculty and the staff of the BMIR Program.

39
 How much is the tuition fee for the whole program?
For Thai students
I. Estimated total 100,000 Baht per academic year
(Undergraduate)
II. Estimated total 99,000 Baht per academic year (Graduate)
For Non-Thai Students
I. Estimated total 120,000 Baht per academic year
(Undergraduate)
II. Estimated total 126,000 Baht per academic year (Graduate)

 Do we have to pay tuition fee per year or per semester?


You pay your tuition fee before the beginning of each semester.

 Is there a summer course for BMIR students?


During the third year, students undertake an internship during the
summer months which will be fully credited. Otherwise, the availability
of summer course is subject to the availability of lecturers and cannot be
guaranteed.

 Is it necessary to join in the extracurricular activities?


As the name suggests, it is not required to join in any extracurricular
activities. It will not affect the grades of students if they do not join. The
extracurricular activities are meant for students to enjoy their studies
more and to get to know each other better.

11 Appendix A: Course Descriptions (Undergraduate


level)

1) General Education Courses


Humanities
TU.110 Integrated Humanities 2 (2-0-4)
To study the history of human beings in different periods,
reflecting their beliefs, ideas, intellectual and creative development. To
instill analytical thinking, with an awareness of the problems that
humanities are confronting, such as the impacts of: technological
development, violence, wars, and various world crises so that we can live
well in a changing world.

40
Social Science
TU.100 Civic Education 3 (3-0-6)
Study of principles of democracy and government by rule of
law. Students will gain understanding of the concept of “citizenship” in a
democratic rule and will have opportunity for self-development to
become a citizen in a democratic society and to take responsibility in
addressing issues in their society through real-life practices.

TU.120 Integrated Social Science 3 (3-0-6)


This interdisciplinary course focuses on the fact that social sciences
play an important role for society. The course explains the origins of the
social sciences and the modern world, the separation of social sciences from
pure sciences, and the acceptance of the scientific paradigm for the
explanation of social phenomenon. It also involves the analysis of important
disciplines, concepts, and major theories of social sciences by pointing out
strengths and weaknesses of each one. Included is the analysis of
contemporary social problems, using knowledge and various perspectives-
individual, group, macro-social, national and world perspectives-- to view
those problems.

Sciences and Technology


 Sciences
TU.130 Integrated Sciences and Technology 2 (2-0-4)
To study basic concepts in science, scientific theory and
philosophies. Standard methods for scientific investigations. Important
evolutions of science and technology influencing human lives as well as
the impacts of science and technology on economies, societies and
environments. Current issues involving the impacts of science and
technology on moral, ethics and human values.

 Mathematics and Computers


TU.151 General College Mathematics 3 (3-0-6)
(A non-credit subject to the students’ faculty code of 02, 04 and
from 09 to 14,16,17)
To review Set; real number system; relations; functions and
applications; introduction to linear programming; logic; measurement of
interest; installment payment and income tax; descriptive statistics; index
number; introduction to probability ; basic concept of inferential
statistics; statistical packages.

41
TU.152 Fundamental Mathematics 3 (3-0-6)
(This course is for students who have already studied
mathematics in high school and have gained not less than 16 credits or as
demanded by their faculty.)
To prove logical rules, methods of proofs, arguments,
mathematical induction, proofs of theorems of inequalities and absolute
values, inequalities solving, functions, type of functions, applications of
functions, curve sketching, partial fractions decomposition, solving of
simple systems of linear equations.

TU.153 General Knowledge about Computers 3 (3-0-6)


To study the essential components of computer systems
including hardware, software, data and its processing; basic data
communication, network and the Internet, principles of problem solving
using computers and software packages, security, ethics and laws related
to computer usage and information systems.

TU.154 Mathematical Foundation 3 (3-0-6)


To prove logical rules, methods of proofs, quantifiers,
arguments, mathematical induction, structure of the real number system,
binomial theorem and multinomial theorem, translation of axes, rotation
of axes and sketching of graphs of conic sections, curve sketching,
increasing functions and decreasing functions, partial fractions
decomposition, introduction to number theory.

TU.155 Elementary Statistics 3 (3-0-6)


To identify the Nature of statistical problems; review of
descriptive statistics; probability; random variables and some probability
distributions (binomial, poison and normal) ; elementary sampling and
sampling distributions; estimation and hypotheses testing for one and
two populations; one-way analysis of variance; simple linear regression
and correlation; chi-square test.

TU.156 Introduction to Computers and Programming 3 (3-0-6)


Basic concepts of computer systems, electronic data processing
concepts, system and application software, algorithms, flowcharts, data
representation, program design and development methodology, problem
solving using high-level language programming.

42
Language
 Thai
TH.160 Basic Thai 3 (3-0-6)
(For foreign students or allowed by Thai Department)
Basic Thai language – alphabet, vocabulary, phrases, and
sentences. It also provides the four basic skills: listening, speaking,
reading and writing.
Remarks
1. Students must be a foreigner or a Thai citizen who cannot use
Thai properly.
2. If a student has proficiency in the basic skills, they should
enroll in TH.161
3. As required by the curriculum, students must enroll in two
courses in Thai – TH 161 and TH 162, or TH 161 and TH 163.
For students who enroll in TH 160, the program designates TH 161 as
the second requisite course.

TH.161 Thai Usage 3 (3-0-6)


Thai language usage skills: listening, reading, writing and
speaking, with emphases on drawing the main idea, communicating
knowledge, thoughts and composing properly.

 English
EL.070 English Course 1 0 (3-0-6)
Prerequisite : Language Institute placement
A non-credit course designed for those students with low
English command and unable to enroll directly into English Foundation
Course (The assessment criteria are ‘S’ for Satisfactory or ‘U’ for
Unsatisfactory and will not be counted towards the students’ total credits
and GPA).
A preparatory course designed to enable students to cope up
with real English use of four basic integrated skills of listening, speaking,
reading and writing.

EL.171 English Course 2 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisite : EL 070 or Language Institute placement
An intermediate English course designed to promote four integrated
skills to develop students’ English proficiency at a higher level.

43
EL.172 English Course 3 3 (3-0-6)
Prerequisite : EL 171 or Language Institute placement
An upper-intermediate English course to enable students to use
integrated skills at a more sophisticated level than the prior course
especially in speaking and writing.

2) Courses in Political Science


PO.210 Introduction to Political Philosophy 3 (3-0-6)
Origins and meaning of political philosophy and important
issues in political philosophy such as the goal of humanity, the state,
justice etc., by dividing and examining the differences between problems
and solutions in political philosophy as well as modern political thought.
Students will study the work of both Western and Eastern philosophers
as groundwork for further courses.

PO.211 Introduction to Political Science 3 (3-0-6)


Nature and methods of political science, the relationship
between political science and other social sciences. The course will
cover various political theories, principles or power and its application,
the relationship between the state and private individuals, political
institutions, government, political power, political movements and
international bodies.

PO.271 Introduction to International Relations 3 (3-0-6)


Foundations of international politics; the nature and structure of
international relations; political, military, economic, social and cultural
factors as well as ideologies which impact on state behaviour;
development of international cooperation in its different forms, such as
practice regulations, laws and international institutions resulting from
and affecting the above factors.

PO.290 International Organizations 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisite: Have earned credits of PO. 271
History of different levels of international organizations, from
the Hague Convention, the League of Nations, the United Nations and
the World Trade Organization to various regional organizations. The
course will highlight the structure, powers, responsibilities, role and
operations of these organizations in resolving international problems in
different aspects i.e. social, economic and political aspects, as well as
consider successes and failures of international organizations.

44
PO.291 International Law 3 (3-0-6)
Principles and theories of international law; origin of
international law from the past to the present; the relationship between
domestic and international law; status of individuals under international
law; rights and responsibilities of inter-state relations and state and
private sector relations; origin and role of international organizations,
international maritime law and other issues regarding international law
and politics, economy, society etc. studied on a case by case basis.

PO.300 Social Science Methodology 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisites: Have earned credits of PO.211
Methods of data collection and research in social sciences, both
quantitative and qualitative research, including building a research concept, a
research question, formulating hypotheses / assumptions, analysis and
reporting results, interpretation of theories, language analysis and other
methods of analysis and information searches currently used in social
sciences.

PO.321 Thai Government and Politics 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisites: Have earned credits of PO.211
Factors involved in Thai politics and government such as
history, social structure, culture, economy and Thai politics;
characteristics and trends of Thai political life; characteristics of political
behaviour; analysis of the relationship between political life and
socioeconomic factors; examination of problems in politics and
government in the age of change affected by the above factors.

PO.370 Thai Foreign Affairs 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisite: Have earned credits of PI.280
International relations of Thailand in different eras;
consideration of factors and processes in policymaking; policy planning;
foreign policy implementation and effects of foreign policy on internal
Thai politics.

PO.371 Southeast Asian Affairs 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisite: Have earned credits of PI.280
International relations in Southeast Asia and links with
superpowers outside the region. This course begins by examining the
historical factors impacting on international relations of the above
countries, following on with studying the challenges and important issues
currently faced by countries in the region and also analyzing conflict and
cooperation under these challenging conditions.

45
PO.373 Foreign Relations and Policies in East Asia 3 (3-0-6)
Prerequisite: Have earned credits of PI.280
Foreign relations of east Asian countries, i.e. China, Japan,
North and South Korea and Taiwan; relations of these countries with
superpowers and countries in nearby regions and the role of these east
Asian countries in international organizations.

PO.375 Latin American Affairs 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisite: Have earned credits of PI.280
Background of foreign policy of Latin American countries from
the past to the present, focusing on current events and considering the
grouping together of these countries, particularly within the North
American Free Trade Agreement. In addition, the course considers
foreign policy implementation by each of the countries towards the USA
and other countries.

PO.376 Middle East Affairs 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisite: Have earned credits of PI.280
Foreign policy and conflict resolution of Middle Eastern
countries, considering the formation of the Arab League, policy
implementation of these countries towards the United Nations, towards
superpowers and towards other international political problems,
especially the relationship between the Arab states and Israel.

PO.380 Economics and International Politics 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisites: Have earned credits of PO.271
Connection between economic factors and international politics;
relationships between power and wealth or poverty at an international
level by analyzing international economic and political development
from the colonial era to the present. This will be done by using a
theoretical approach and from the viewpoint of international political
economy, focusing on events from after the Second World War onwards.

PO.385 Foreign Policy of Russia 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisite: Have earned credits of PI.280
Study development and role of Russia in global politics since
the Second World War by considering domestic and international factors
that influence foreign policy formation of the Soviet Union during the
Cold War and of the Russian Federation in the Post-Cold War, continuity
and changes in foreign policy and Russian foreign relations with the
major powers and regions in the world, as well as contemporary issues
and tendency in the future.

46
PO.386 Foreign Policy of the United States of America 3 (3-0-6)
Prerequisite: Have earned credits of PI.280
Making of US foreign policy, considering political and other
components and factors that influence foreign policy planning and
implementation and focusing on American foreign policy towards
different regions of the world from World War II onwards.

PO.387 European Affairs 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisite: Have earned credits of PI.280
Relationship between the different European states and analysis
of foreign policy of these countries, considering groupings of these
countries such as the European Union and NATO; cooperation on
various issues between European countries and conflict between
countries created after the fall of communism in eastern Europe. The
course will also look at the role of European states in international
politics.

PO.389 Foreign Policy of South Asian Countries 3 (3-0-6)


Prerequisite: Have earned credits of PI.280
Relationship between states in south Asia, comprising India,
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the
Maldives, focusing on the importance of these countries in non-
alignment movements with states in Africa, the Middle East, the Asia
Pacific and other regions. The course will also study cooperation in
forming organisations, cooperation within the south Asian region in
terms of economy, politics and society as well as cooperation between
south Asia and organisations of states in other regions, such as ASEAN,
APEC and the EU.

3) Courses in Combined Bachelor of Political Science in Politics and


International Relations (English Program)
PI.120 Introduction to ASEAN Affairs 3 (3-0-6)
As ASEAN deepens its integration, this aims to introduce
students to ASEAN’s role and how it functions as a regional organization
in Southeast Asia. First, it examines the historical factors that led to the
formation of ASEAN and how the organization in terms of functions and
roles has evolved over the years. It then explores how these evolved
functions, norms and practices have an impact on its individual member
states as well as the region on the whole in different areas such as
economy, security, identity building and intra-ASEAN relations.

47
PI.121 Social Science and Humanities in 3 (3-0-6)
the Changing World
Each week, the course invites a speaker from a different
discipline in the field of the social sciences and humanities to talk about
new challenges we are facing in our ever-changing world. Students will
also learn about empirical solutions, practices, and policies in responding
to these challenges. Discussions will also open opportunities for
interactive learning.

PI.122 Society, Technology and Science 3 (3-0-6)


How does new technology and advances in science affect our
society? This unit aims to create an interactive forum for those involved
in science and technology to raise their concerns or respond to concerns
raised by society and students. The series of talks aims to answer
contemporary concerns with science and technology; the potential
challenges ahead, how they affect society, and different ways in
managing with these new changes.

PI.200 English for Political Science Studies 3 (3-0-6)


By utilizing films and reading materials including journals
articles in the field of political science, this course encourages students to
improve their writing and reading skills. Students will be assigned
reading material where they will be strongly encouraged to discuss the
content in class. The class will also be encouraged to develop their
writing skills such as forming arguments, structuring essays and
referencing.

PI.201 Administrative Law 3 (3-0-6)


Based on an historical perspective, seeks to examine the legal
relationship relating to administrative agencies. Topics include legal
frameworks, proper roles of agencies in interpreting the law, judicial
review of decision-making and public participation in agency rule
making.

PI.241 Introduction to Public Administration and 3 (3-0-6)


Public Policy
Definitions, theories, concepts, the scope of public
administration and public policy; the evolutions of public administration
and policy, and their environmental factors will be examined. The study
will also examine politics and administration, process of management,
public policy, public organization and public personnel, public finance
and budgeting, mission and public accountability, including the ethics of
public executive. Upon completion of the course, students will have an
48
understanding of the relationship between public administration and
public policy and how one is translated into another.

PI.270 Diplomacy: Histories, Approaches and 3 (3-0-6)


Current Debates
Starting from the Congress of Vienna, this course first explores
how different approaches to diplomacy have evolved over the years.
Students will also gain a theoretical understanding of how states, through
diplomacy, pursue their foreign policy within a complex global arena.
Various cases studies of major current diplomatic events will be also
examined for students to learn the more practical side of diplomacy, how
these diplomatic events and the subsequent agreements have had an
impact on international relations. Class discussion is strongly
encouraged.

PI.274 Introduction to Comparative Foreign Policy 3 (3-0-6)


Students will be introduced to the analytical and conceptual tools
crucial to analyzing foreign policies which will also assist students in
identifying the differences and similarities; and changes and continuities
in the foreign policy processes of states across the globe. Various case
studies will be used to highlight the theoretical debates. The course will
also consider the gap between theory and the realities decision makers are
facing in formulating foreign policy.

PI.278 Introduction to Peace Studies and Gender Studies 3 (3-0-6)


Students are introduced to both peace and gender studies. The
course is divided into two parts. The first part examines alternatives to
war and to reflect upon the nature of peace as a sustainable condition at
the individual as well as collective level. The course introduces students
to the fundamental concepts of both conflict studies and peace studies
including but not limited to peace, justice, power, violence, peacemaking,
and peace building. The second half of the course examines the concept
of gender and how it is constructed which in turn impacts the way we
structure social life. It emphasizes how the social constructs of race,
class, gender, and sexuality intersect to legitimize power and privilege for
women and men.

PI.280 Theories in International Politics and 3 (3-0-6)


Current Affairs
This course seeks to familiarize students with analyzing
international events and issues based on theoretical and conceptual
perspectives. Critical class discussion will also be encouraged. The first
half of this course will survey the theories and methods of analysis
49
predominant in international politics. The second of this course explores
how we can apply theories to explain contemporary issues and how our
international community response to these issues. Current key topics of
study would include but limited to inter-state conflicts, terrorism and arms
proliferation and trade.

PI.290 Introduction to Political Economy 3 (3-0-6)


By focusing on the important works in political economy, this
course provides an introduction to the field of political economy by
examining key theoretical developments through history of the
discipline. The course will also examine the emergence and evolution of
capitalism beginning with the study of the first and the second “global
trading” systems followed by other important developments until the rise
of competition state under globalisation.

PI.340 Public Policy and Management in 3 (3-0-6)


the Global Context
How does public management and public policy differ when the
global environment and settings change? This course aims to stimulate
discussion on how the global dynamic affects the study and practices of
public policy and management such as regionalization and international
collaboration. It will also encourage students to analyze organizations
and groups actors in the global movement especially those of
international organizations. Course readings and discussions identify and
explain recent global public management and policy trends, as well as
the differences between the public management and policy structures and
processes that change within the countries locally, regionally, and
globally.

PI.341 Policy Analysis and Evaluation: 3 (3-0-6)


Concepts and Techniques
Concepts, theories, techniques and practices of policy analysis
and evaluation will be examined. Policy analysis will encourage
discussion on policy formation, policy agenda setting, and policy design.
Students will also learn how to analyze policies as well as how
techniques of analysis differ from one to another. The use of evaluation
techniques, both quantitatively and qualitatively, will be applied to the
case of policy appraisal. The course will also discuss policy processes,
policy implementation, policy monitoring, and policy improvement as
the step of policy analysis and evaluation.

50
PI.342 Organization and Human Resources Management: 3 (3-0-6)
Theories and Practices
Definitions, approaches, analytical tools and theories essential to
the study of human resource management will be examined. Students
will learn about planning and strategy, organizational design, personnel
selection, equal employment opportunity, training, performance
appraisal, compensation, and contemporary issues. Upon completion, the
student should be able to indicate and explain various human resource
management interventions that may be required when dealing with the
work environment, people, and problems. In particular, the student
should be able to critically analyze organizational situations, prescribe
courses of action necessary for problem solving, and integrate the steps
necessary for effective implementation.

PI.343 Strategic Planning and Management 3 (3-0-6)


The concept of strategic management and its application to
government agencies, state enterprises, autonomous organizations, and
other public entities are core elements of this course. Course readings
and discussions will introduce students to strategic management tools
such as: the organizational mission statement, SWOT analysis, strategy
formulation, strategy implementation, and strategy evaluation. Using a
comparative approach, the course will highlight how organizations from
different sectors and countries interpret and apply these strategic
management concepts and tools.

PI.344 Environmental Management and Policy 3 (3-0-6)


The processes, legal issues related to and tools for affecting
resource allocation and environmental management will be examined.
Particular attention will be given to options, various organizations
involved including NGOs concerning environmental management,
policy prescriptions and implementation at both the domestic and global
levels.

PI.345 Disaster and Emergency Management 3 (3-0-6)


The changing global and local settings of how natural and
manmade disasters are managed will be examined. Students will also
explore the concepts, frameworks, techniques, and practices of disaster
and emergency management, response interagency coordination,
decision making in crises, organizational network, and adaptive capacity
building in chaotic and dynamic environments. In addition, the study of
disaster management is multidisciplinary-based. The course will use case
studies and real situations to analyze how best practices and effective

51
and efficient emergency response are conducted. Students are
encouraged to develop material and be able to use simple tool to the
study of disaster management.

PI.346 Urban Planning and Development Policy 3 (3-0-6)


The course focuses on the policy process and management of
urban planning and development of cities. It explores theories and
concepts of its meaning, characteristics, city cycles, the significance and
patterns of city growth, and urbanization. The course also studies
principles, process, actor and tools of managing cities in various areas
including city planning ,urban environment management, economics
development and forms and structure of city government. It also
discusses the problem and solutions of administering cities, emphasizing
experiences of Thailand.

PI.347 Fiscal and Budgeting 3 (3-0-6)


Concepts interlinked with public sector financial management,
the processes and problems associated with public budgeting and policy,
revenue extraction; and managing public debt and revenue will be
examined. Upon completion, student will learn about the importance of
public budgeting and how its affects intergovernmental fiscal relations
and financial and managerial controls in the public sector.

PI.348 Comparative Public Administration 3 (3-0-6)


The main question examined is how public administration
concepts and techniques differ from country to country. Course readings
and discussions will identify and explain recent public administration
trends, as well as the differences between the public administration
structures and processes within the countries selected for examination. By
using a comparative approach, the course will examine how political,
economic and social factors influence the development of public
management structures and processes.

PI.373 ASEAN in Global Affairs 3 (3-0-6)


An advanced study of ASEAN’s roles, functions and relations
with other extra-regional actors. It examines ASEAN’s roles and how its
functions to respond to different current challenges. It also explores how
ASEAN as well as its individual members interact with extra-regional
powers including but not limited to the US, China, Japan, and the EU in
the light of these challenges.

52
PI.374 China in the Current World Affairs 3 (3-0-6)
Prerequisite : Have earned credit of PI.280
This course, utilizing theories and approaches of international
relations, provides a comprehensive introduction to China’s role in
current world affairs. It examines the key events and factors that brought
about the emergence of China in the 21st century. It also addresses how
China deals with certain contemporary thematic issues such as territorial
disputes and trade as well as how China deals with major power and
neighbor countries. Students will learn about the sources of conflict and
cooperation in China’s actions including their impact on regional and
global politics.

PI.375 International Management Analysis 3 (3-0-6)


Students will be introduced to the analytical and conceptual tools
important to analyzing different aspects of international management
including international politics, culture, technology and ethical decision-
making in an ever-changing global environment. Contemporary issues
will be used to highlight debates and discussion in class.

PI.376 Alternative Approaches in International Relations 3 (3-0-6)


Students will be introduced to the newer approaches in the field
of international relations including but limited to, constructivism, gender
and critical theories. Various case studies will be used for illustrative
purposes. Discussion will also aim at the debates on the usefulness of the
new and the more traditional approaches.

PI.377 Strategic Studies 3 (3-0-6)


An overview of key concepts and issues crucial to the study of
security and strategic studies will be examined. Students will be
encouraged to discuss and learn about historical and current security
dilemmas confronting small states in Asia-Pacific. Current security
issues including weapons of mass destruction proliferation, terrorism,
ethnic conflicts, as well as non-traditional security threats including
economic and transnational crimes will form the weekly basis of class
discussion.

PI.378 Japan in the Current World Affairs 3 (3-0-6)


This course analyzes contemporary Japanese international
relations focusing on Japanese views of the changing world, the Japan-
US Alliance, and Japan’s position within a rising Asia. It will also
explore the factors contributing to foreign policy making process,

53
particularly the linkage between its domestic politics and changing
foreign policy.

PI.379 Islam and Global Politics 3 (3-0-6)


Students will learn about the role of Islam in global politics and
Islam as a vehicle for political mobilization. Students will not only be
encouraged to critically discuss the structure and influence of but also
understand political Islamic groups such as Muslim Brotherhood,
Hamas, Hisbollah and Jama’ah Islamiyah. The course will also focus on
the broader missions of the organizations and the organization’s impact
on their constituents.

PI.380 Nation State and Transnationalism 3 (3-0-6)


Contemporary transnational forces, its relationship with the
nation state and the question of sovereignty forms the core of this
course. It first identifies and explores the various political, economic
and social processes of liberalization that have created this new era of
the increased circulation of people, ideas, commodities and technologies
across national boundaries. On a case study basis, students will learn
how these new processes have challenged the nation state in various
aspects in terms of (but not limited to) migration, immigration,
citizenship and national identity and how the nation state has managed
these new processes. Class participation is strongly encouraged.

PI.381 Globalization and Governance 3 (3-0-6)


The subject’s mission is to enhance students’ understanding and
knowledge of the debates of globalization namely its causes and
consequences; and how institutions, both transnational and national, work to
establish ways of coping with the forces of globalization. Students will also
learn about the key differences between global governance and governance
within state institutions. The course will also identify and explore the
significant international institutions involved in global governance.

PI.382 The Politics of International Development 3 (3-0-6)


The evolution of development theory and practice forms the
core of this course. The course introduces the theories of development as
well as the conceptual and analytical tools crucial the field. It then
highlights the political and social realities of various developmental
issues as well as the contemporary political debates in relation to these
issues, which include the questions of economic and political
liberalization, poverty reduction, ethnic conflict, and the role of
international aid and non-government organizations (NGOs)

54
PI.383 Politics of Transnational Production 3 (3-0-6)
The politics of international production both in industry,
agriculture, and services forms the core of this course. Having increased
tremendously in the past decades, transnational production takes various
forms, including foreign direct investment (FDI), outsourcing, and
contract farming. The course analyzes both the causes and the effects on
political economy of both sending and recipient countries. The main
focus will be on the interactions among transnational production,
government regimes/ policies, and civil society.

PI.384 State, Market and Governance 3 (3-0-6)


The interaction between states and markets, both in theory and in
practice forms the core of this course. It emphasizes how markets are
governed by states through regulation, deregulation, and regulation; and
on the other hand, how markets reduce states’ power. The course
examines the ways in which markets are embedded in social and political
institutions and how political systems and markets are organized in
different national settings, looking both at history and contemporary
issues.

PI.385 Peace Studies 3 (3-0-6)


Alternatives to war and to reflect upon the nature of peace as a
sustainable condition at the individual as well as collective level form the
core of this course. Different cases of conflict where peace has been
successfully and unsuccessfully achieved will be used to highlight the
challenges and conditions conducive to sustainable peace.

PI.386 Gender Studies 3 (3-0-6)


The study of dichotomous gender systems – its foundation (s)
and power structure – and its impact on social and political life will form
the core of this course.

PI.387 Environmental Politics 3 (3-0-6)


Introduce students to the rise of environmental issues in the
world agenda will form the core of this course. Students are also
encouraged to discuss and debate about the effectiveness of current
structures and policies to resolve these environmental issues by
systematically looking at the components of the current system including
key concepts, mechanisms, and the principal international actors.

55
PI.388 Human Security 3 (3-0-6)
Through debate, the subject’s mission is to enhance the
students’ ability to critically assess contemporary discourses on human
security. The first section of the course will explore the debates and
dilemmas of human security. The second part of the course will
highlight the debates and dilemmas through contemporary case studies
such as Myanmar and Darfur.

PI.389 Transnational Issues and Civil Society 3 (3-0-6)


Non-state actors play an increasingly visible role in global
governance expanding across the territorial boundaries of the state. This
seminar explores non-state activism and its role, challenges and
limitations in shaping different global issues including but not limited to
humanitarian, environmental, development, arms control and human
rights.

PI.391 Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory 3 (3-0-6)


for Political and Economic Policies
The core of the course will focus on the application of economic
models as a framework to scrutinize managerial questions, and the
perception of utilities and behaviors in terms of political and economic
strategies that shape the outcomes of policies. The course will also examine
contexts of political interaction directing market mechanism which in turn
are a crucial element to understanding behavior, the role of state, taxation,
public debt, and government expenditure.

PI.392 Comparative Political Economy 3 (3-0-6)


Through class discussion and debate, this course provides a
broad survey of some of the major debates in comparative political
economy today, focusing on the creation, evolution and reform of market
institutions. The course would begin by analysing some of the important
writings in political economy. It will also examine the literature on the
political economy of Western Europe and the US, Japan, the East Asian
and Latin American newly industrialising economies, the developing
countries, and the post-Communist economies.

PI.395 Political Economy in East Asia 3 (3-0-6)


Based on the experiences of Japan, China, South Korea, and
Taiwan, this course explores how state and market interact to form
political and economic activities. It employs both theoretical
perspectives and case studies to understand state-business and state-
society relations in these economies.

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PI.396 Political Economy in Southeast Asia 3 (3-0-6)
Based on the experiences in major Southeast Asian countries,
this course examines how state and market interact to form political and
economic activities. It employs both theoretical perspectives and case
studies to understand state-business and state-society relations in these
nations.

PI.397 Game Theory for Political Scientists 3 (3-0-6)


By utilising economic and mathematical tools of game theory,
this course introduces the main ideas of game theory and its application
in the field of political economy. This course also examines the optimal
theory’s foundations with an emphasis on applications for making
strategic games associated with political and economic behaviors with
thoughts, including political behaviors, economic strategies, institutional
choices, and coalitional games.

PI.398 Public Choice 3 (3-0-6)


On completing this course, students will be equipped with
knowledge to comprehend the government’s behaviors and decision
makings to formulate policy choices for implementing fiscal and
budgeting. In addition, the effectiveness of exploiting budget by the
government which is a crucial factor in influencing public policies in
terms of economic development, the function of the state, government
expenditure, taxation, and public finance associated with theories for
public choices will also be examined.

PI.399 Global Political Economy of Trade and Finance 3 (3-0-6)


Based on a systematic understanding of the political and social
foundations of global trade and financial markets, their operation and
impact on the world economy, this course will examine the dynamics and
evolution of trade and financial power in an historical perspective by
highlighting the complex relationship between global finance, the nation-
state and national societies. The course will focus on the contemporary
features of the global trade and financial system and its effects on
political and socio-economic stability in the countries of advanced
capitalism as well as in the developing world.

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PI.443 Seminar in Public Policy 3 (3-0-6)
The discussion of concepts, framework, techniques, and practice
of public administration as a field and as a mechanism of government to
manage public sector will be examined. The issue will include case
studies, the current situation, emerging problems, and changes
domestically and internationally. Students will be also assigned to
conduct a brief research on the issue emerged in the society and suggest
the alternatives for more effective and efficient administration.

PI.444 Seminar in Public Administration 3 (3-0-6)


The discussion of concepts, framework, techniques, and practice
of public administration as a field and as a mechanism of government to
manage public sector will be examined. The issue will include case
studies, the current situation, emerging problems, and changes
domestically and internationally. Students will be also assigned to
conduct a brief research on the issue emerged in the society and suggest
the alternatives for more effective and efficient administration.

PI.481 Seminar: Problems in International Politics 3 (3-0-6) and


Economics
The problems associated with international and economic
relations will form the core of this course. The first half of the course
aims to provide students with the analytical and conceptual tools to
better understand the complexities of international politics and economic
relations. The second half of the course is issue-based and will focus on
contemporary major developments both in international and economic
relations and how states manage.

PI.482 Seminar: Globalization, Regional Grouping 3 (3-0-6)


and the State
An in-depth study on interrelated phenomenon of globalization,
regional grouping, and the state will form the core of this course. Focus
will be made on the process of interactions between the global, the
regional and the national levels through relevant case studies from
different geographical areas, such as, Europe, America, Africa, Middle
East, in the comparative perspective with those of Asia. It is expected
that his course will provide the better understanding of the transformation
of the state in relations with the emerging concept of the ‘regionalism’
and the ‘globalism’.

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PI.483 Seminar in International Conflict and 3 (3-0-6)
Resolution
International conflict, war and peace by analyzing the meaning
of the nature and the different types of conflict and war will be examined.
Conflict prevention and resolution, peace keeping, peace making and
peace building will also be considered. Several concepts and theories will
be used as a framework for analysis of post and current conflicts in the
world.

PI.484 Seminar in International Cooperation 3 (3-0-6)


International relations through structures and processes
conceptualized as but not limited to international cooperation institution,
organization and regimes will be examined. The course also explores
relevant theories and practices, by studying various cases regarding East
Asia and Southeast Asia, with comparative perspectives from other
regions.

PI.485 Seminar in Political Science 3 (3-0-6)


The problems and challenges associated with politics will be
examined. The first half of the course aims to introduce students to
political concepts such as state, nationalism, democracy, and legitimacy
as well as the analytical tools in exploring the complexities in politics in
different systems. The second half of the course will highlight these
complexities on a case study basis.

PI.493 Special Issues in Political Economy 3 (3-0-6)


The course deals with particular issues in political economy to
equip students with specific knowledge in political economy.

PI.494 Political Economy of Development 3 (3-0-6)


Investigation of issues of development related to the transition
of economic growth, and the change of poverty lines in term of policies
is designed in this class. Empirical examples are drawn from the concept
of analysis of international trade and finance primarily political
economy, and regional integration.

PI.574 Internship and Training in Politics, 3 (3-0-6)


Political Economy and International Relations
In order to gain credits, students must complete their third year
course work first. This summer internship and training program opens
the opportunity for students to gain first-hand work experience with

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organization that complements their field of study. It also allows students
to apply theoretical knowledge to more practical use.

4) Required Course in Faculty of Economics


EE.210 Introductory Economics 3 (3-0-6)
(For non-economics major only; credits will not be awarded to
students who are taking or have completed EE211 or EE212 or EE213
or EE214)
The general principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics.
In microeconomics part, topics cover demand for and supply of goods,
consumer behavior, production and costs, structure and behavior of
production units under perfectly and imperfectly competitive markets,
the concept of market failures and the role of government intervention. In
macroeconomics part, topics cover objectives and problems in
macroeconomic, national income determination, money and banking
system, introduction to fiscal and monetary policies used for economic
stabilization, the application of economic indices to analyze the
economic situation. In international economics part, topics cover
importance of international trade and finance, and disputes between free
trade and market protection.

12 Appendix B: Course Descriptions (Graduate Level)

Required Courses
PI.601 Research Methods in International Relations 3 (3-0-9)
Both quantitative and qualitative approaches currently applied
in international relations and international studies will be explored. Its
main objectives are two folds. First, to explore the field’s methodological
and epistemological debates, concerning qualitative research. Second, to
equip students with research tools.

PI.610 Globalization and International Relations: 3 (3-0-9)


Institutions, Approaches and Processes
Fundamental knowledge of contemporary international relations
by examining various approaches such as realism, neo-realism,
liberalism, neo-liberalism, Marxism, and constructivism form the core of
this course. The impact of globalization on international processes,
conflicts, cooperation, and decision making and on international
institutions will also be examined. The analysis will include the concepts
of actors; both state and non-state, international norms, and behavior.

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PI.630 International Regimes and Organizations 3 (3-0-9)
International relations through structures and processes of
international regimes and organizations, including but not limited to, the
United Nations and WTO will be examined. The course also explores
relevant theories and practices, by studying various cases regarding those
regimes and organizations.

PI.640 International Law and International Relations 3 (3-0-9)


The roles of international law in international relations in times
of peace and in times of war will be examined. Based on the concepts of
sovereignty and jurisdiction, the main focus will be on the application of
international law by various methods in order to settle international
disputes.

PI.690 Global Governance and International 3 (3-0-9)


Political Economy
The current international political economy shaped by the
interactions related to market forces, information-communication
technology and the various nation-states, and their corresponding impacts
on states as well as “non-state” actors; such as MNCs, IOs and INGOs.
New rules and agendas for multilateral and international organizations
pertaining to public participation, accountability and transparency will be
examined. The current issues of transnational crime, the environment,
global epidemic and all types of security-related issues which are posing
immediate challenges to existing institutions and norms will also be
studied.

PI.801 Pre-thesis 3 (3-0-12)


Together with their thesis advisor, this course aims to give the
students the opportunity to receive close consultation in order to develop
their thesis proposal. In order to fulfill the requirements of this course,
students should formulate a sound research plan which will form the first
chapter of their thesis. This should include a research question,
hypotheses, literature review, conceptual/theoretical framework, method
and methodology. The level of grading system can be earned either “S”
(Satisfactory) or “U” Unsatisfactory).

Elective Courses
 Group 1: Governance and Transnationalism
PI.623 Human Security: Discourse and Practice 3 (3-0-9)
Through debate, the subject’s mission is to enhance the
students’ ability to critically assess contemporary discourses on human
security. The first section of the course will explore the debates and
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dilemmas of human security, and situate the topic in relation to
traditional security, development and human rights. Efforts to measure
human security as well as the many criticisms leveled against the concept
will be discussed and evaluated in an interactive teaching format
consisting of lecture and student presentations. The second part of the
course will highlight the debates and dilemmas through contemporary
case studies.

PI.627 Marginality and Global Politics 3 (3-0-9)


Explores ways in which marginality is constituted or re-
constituted in global politics. Two modalities of marginality will be the
course’s foci: people and space. For the former, the course examines
various categories, e.g., race, class, gender, nation, ethnicity and legality.
Thus, some of these issues will be covered: transnational racial politics,
global poverty, gender politics, indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities,
refugees, stateless peoples, human trafficking/smuggling. Regarding
space, sites, such as borderlands, slums, brothels, drug routes, “terrorists”
havens could be the course’s emphases. This course also problematizes
local-global dichotomy by demonstrating that, amidst globalization,
“local politics” and “global politics” of marginality are inextricably
linked and mutually shaping.

PI.629 Politics, Space and Culture 3 (3-0-9)


Focuses on space as an imperative object of study in order to
discern global politics of the present. It is the time when the nation-state
has been much less will-entrenched and cultural dimensions transform
the signification of “the political”. Both physical space and cyber space
are the locales of complex political activities, no matter for or against the
hegemons. The former is the landscape of more conventional power-
relations, while the latter has become more contested site between statist
and non-statist forces. Issues to be covered are, for instances,
transnational contact zones (e.g., global city, international airport,
international deep seaport); city planning vis-à-vis politics of
infrastructure; logistics and speed transportation. Regarding the cyber
space, some of the following issues will be covered; ideoscape and the
social media; music, the arts, dress and transnational commoditization;
resisting cultures and disruptive forces of the internet.

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PI.633 International Development: 3 (3-0-9)
Theory and Practice The evolution of development theory and
practice forms the core of this course. The course is divided into three
parts, starting with the introduction of theories of development as well as
the conceptual and analytical tools crucial for the field. It then highlights
the political and social realities of various developmental issues as well
as the contemporary political debates in relations to these issues, which
include the questions of environmental degradation, human rights,
democracy, armed conflict, economic liberalization, poverty reduction,
and the role of international aid and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs). In the final part, the course will address the practice of
development projects and development planning through intensive group
work.

PI.674 Multilateralism 3 (3-0-9)


Students are introduced to the concept, the development, as well
as the importance of multilateralism in international relations. Students
will explore and analyze the roles of multilateralism in international
conflict and cooperation and its effectiveness in preventing and
mitigating the former and creating and enhancing the latter.

PI.677 Selected Topics in International Relations 3 (3-0-9)


A particular topic within the field of Governance and
Transnationalism will be studied in depth. Students are also expected to
utilized analytical tools and theories to topic of study. Class discussion is
strongly encouraged.

 Group 2: Public Administration and Public Policy


PI.643 Intergovernmental Relations in Public Policy 3 (3-0-9)
The substance of the course involves the interactions between
all levels of government in the analysis of public policy. These
interactions can be formal and institutional, and informal and personal.
The study will focus on the structure of power and authority, the
allocation of budget, working relations, and conflicts existed. The course
will focus on policy relations between agencies and levels of government
and agencies, and the dynamic change of paradigms and environment
affected the pattern of relations.

PI.644 Cross-Cultural Management in Public 3 (3-0-9)


Organizations
The concept and theory for developing and understanding of
cultural differences, and effectively managing these differences are
critical to working, communicating and transferring knowledge in multi-
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cultural and international environments. The course also analyzes and
focuses on different strategies for managing and valuing the diversity
within organizations. Topics also include cross-cultural problem solving,
leadership styles, decision making, the knowledge management within
different cultures and across cultures, and global approaches to conflict
and negotiations. Students will be practiced by case study and conduct
projects of the real situations.

PI.648 Environmental and Disaster Policy and 3 (3-0-9)


Management
The analysis and lessons learnt from practices of environment-
disaster policy and management at the domestic and international levels
will be examined. The study also includes the frameworks of
transnational and intergovernmental relations in the application of
practices and how they are translated into local settings. Cases will be
employed throughout the course.

PI.649 Selected Topics in International Public Policy 3 (3-0-9)


The analysis of specific International Public Policy in
correspondence with upcoming or issues will learn the core of this
course. Students are required to develop research question(s) and the
design to address problems and conduct the study to further
understanding the arguments made to the topic and recommend possible
or alternate explanation or solutions.

PI.743 Advanced Public Policy and Management 3 (3-0-9)


Students work in groups to prepare public policy and
management papers that evaluate the exiting policy of the government, a
nonprofit organization, or MNCs. Based on a comprehensive analysis,
students will learn how to offer recommendations on how to address the
problems and possible and plausible solutions. This analysis project
allows students to apply the knowledge they have gained throughout the
course to a specific situation. Students may also be required to develop
individual policy and management recommendation paper.

 Group 3: Political Economy and International Political


Economy
PI.693 Global Political Economy of Financial Crisis 3 (3-0-9)
By studying the revolutionary growth of financial markets and
the international credit system, this course examines the evolution and
contemporary problems of global finance since the dissolution of the
Bretton Woods system. The review of causes and consequences of the
financial revolution of the 20th century, and present an overview of
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existing theoretical perspectives on financial liberalization and would
then go on to analyse the political economy of financial crisis in the
1990s and early 2000s in detail and would review the current debates on
New Financial Architecture.

PI.694 State Strategies in Global Political Economy 3 (3-0-9)


By identifying the qualitative and quantitative shift in the last
three decades under the process of globalization, this course analyses the
role of the contemporary state in globalisation. It will also study the ways
by which states are developing competitive strategies in order to achieve
greater stability and strength within the global political economy.
Varieties of state strategies would be critically examined: from the
exclusive hegemonic strategies of the most powerful states to the
strategies of the mini-states that serve as tax havens or developing
economic development through state capitalism; from the egalitarianism
of the welfare policies of the Shielders to the repressed and exploited
labour forces in Third World states; from the emerging strategy of
constructing trading blocs to the collapsed states, which structurally
unable to compete in the world economy.

PI.695 Selected Topics in Global Political Economy 3 (3-0-9)


By systematically exploring recent important developments and
dynamics of power in today’s global political economy, this course is
designed to help students make sense of, and make use of, the amorphous
and all encompassing concept of power in the study of international
relations and international political economy.

PI.793 Advanced Theories in International 3 (3-0-9)


Political Economy
Through discussion and debates, this course examines the major
theories in international political economy. It also analyzes how they are
relevant to the creation, maintenance, transformation, and decay of
international arrangements designed to manage or regulate interstate
activities relating to trade, finance, investment, technology, resources and
environment.

PI.794 Advanced Microeconomic and Macroeconomic 3 (3-0-9)


Theory for Political and Economic Policies
Studying of the advanced concepts of utilities’ function in term
of political and economic interaction shapes the outcomes of strategies in
term of micro-growth. The contexts of political and economic interaction
are the explanation with the tools of IS-LM and Solow Model to
comprehend the strategies of the state to settle the levels of taxation,
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public debt, and government expenditure in term of economic growth
and political stabilities.

Research Course
PI.800 Thesis 12 (0-0-48)
In depth research on an important issue in international
relations/studies under the supervision of a thesis committee, comprising
of one principal advisor and two other advisors.

13 Appendix C: Standard of Coding

Courses in this program have an alphanumerical code consisting of 2


letters and 3 digits.

Letters:
PI means Course in Combined Master and Bachelor of Political
Science Program in Politics and International Relations

 Bachelor of Political Science Program in Politics and International


Relations

First digit means level


1 means basic
2 means basic or introduction
3 means advanced-level course
4 means high-level course
5 means high-level course

Second digit means group of subject


0,1,2 means Politics and Government
3,4,5,6 means Public Administration
7,8 means International Relations
9 means Political Economy and
International Political Economy

Third digit means core and elective courses


0-2 means core
3-9 means elective

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 Master of Political Science Program in Politics and International
Relations

First digit means Level


6 means advanced-level course
7 means high-level course
8 means thesis level

Second digit means Group of subject


0 means Research and Self Study
1 means Introduction and Fundamental
2 means Current Issues of International
and Thailand
3 means Foreign Policy and International
Relations
4 means World and Regional
Organizations and Cooperation
7, 8 means International Relations
9 means Political Economy and
International Political Economy

Third Digit means Typical of course


0-2 means Core course
3-9 means Elective course

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14 Appendix D: Map of Tha Prachan Campus

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