Foundations
Thai Language, Society and Development

FALL AND SPRING SEMESTER

Academic Focus

This intensive course focuses on the acquisition of the Thai language and understanding of Thai society and key issues in development. In addition to small intensive language classes, students study the urban geography of Chiang Mai city and selected topics in Thai culture and society.

Course Components

Intensive Thai: Small group classes (3-5 students) focusing on aquiring the Thai language. No English is used in the classroom, and students will learn to both speak as well as read and write in Thai. Each morning during Foundations students are in the classroom studying Thai, with experiential learning opportunities each week. Thai language instruction continues throughout the semester when students are at the institute, and Thai is used during each Expedition Field Course.

Thai Society and Development Seminar: A series of seminars on Thai society and development take place throughout the month. This includes guest speakers, videos, and experiential learning in the community. A key part of this seminar is exploring the urban geography of Chiang Mai, including learning about the challenges to sustainability that are faced by cities in developing countries like Thailand.

Learning outcomes

• Conversational proficiency in Thai
• Ability to read and write basic Thai
• Understanding of key cultural and sociological characteristics of Thai society
• Understanding of Thai and Southeast Asian history
• Knoweldge of principles of sustainable development
• Proficiency in urban geographic research skills (survey, transect, case study)
• Understanding of key issues in urban geography in the context of the developing world
• Knoweldge of key issues in NGO development and strategies
• Understanding and application of experiential learning principles