Society, Economy and Politics :Class Information Sheet for the Course

Class Information Sheet for

The Course Named “Society, Economy, and Politics”

Siam Institute of Technology

Charansanitwong Road

Khwaeng Thaphra

Khet Bangkokyai

Thailand 10600

Society, Economy and Politics :First Semester: 2011

First Semester: 2011

Instructor: Associate Professor Thongbai Dhiranandankura                                                                                            

Home: 5/323 Prachaniwet 2/3 Soi 22

Samakki Road

Tambon Bangtalat

Amphoe Pakkret

Changwat Nonthaburi                                                                                                   

Home Phone: 02-574-4033

Mobile Phone: 089 238 0491

E-mail: thongbai_thira@yahoo.com                                                                             

Web Page: http://society-economy-and-politics.blogspot.com

Society, Economy and Politics :Course Description

Course Description

This is an introduction to the fundamentals of Sociology, Economics and Politics.

Included are studies of basic issues confronted by the people and their social, economic and political institutions.

Society, Economy and Politics :Required Texts

Required Texts


Thai Texts

Kriangsak Ratchakhot. Society Economics and Politics.  Bangkok: Duang Kaeo, 2008.

Kriangsak Ratchakhot..Thai Government and Politics. Bangkok : Duang Kaeo,2009.


English Texts:

Beth B. Hess, Elizabeth W. Markson and Peter J. Stein, Sociology(Fourth Edition), Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, 1991.

John J.  Macionis, Society : the Basics (8^th edition),Pearson Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 2005.

Marion B. Smith, Survey of Social Science(Fourth Edition), Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1956.

Peter Wagner, A History and Theory of the Social Sciences, SAGE Publications, London, 2001.

Steven Miles, Social Theory in the Real World, SAGE Publications, London, 2001.

Society, Economy and Politics :Purposes & Goals

Purposes & Goals

General aims of the course include providing the student with:

1. a basic knowledge of the fundamental elements of social, economic and political systems.

2. an understanding of how the major social, economic and political institutions in society interact with one another.

3. an awareness of the economics and politics which shapes and influences the society.

4. a sufficient knowledge to enable the student to distinguish between the theory and reality of the social, economic and political system.

5. an understanding and appreciation of the rights and privileges granted by the Thai Constitution.

6. a continuing interest in public affairs and in government with the hope that such interest will result in direct involvement and social, economic and political participation.

Society, Economy and Politics :Specific Objectives

Specific Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

1. distinguish between major and minor historical events and developments in shaping the social, economic and political systems.

2. analyze the relative merits of contemporary government policies.

3. evaluate the effectiveness of the various elements in the social, economic and political system.

4. evaluate the relative success and effectiveness of social, economic and  political institutions in fulfilling the goals of society.

5. analyze problems related to governing a pluralistic society.

6. examine the structure and functions of Thai government.

7. write a minimum of 1500 words in addition to examinations

Society, Economy and Politics :Student Obligations

Student Obligations

The following responsibilities apply to all students:

1. Attend class sessions and take notes.

2. Read assigned chapters from the books by the dates identified by the instructor.

3. Write one paper (totaling about 1500 words) on a topic to be determined by the instructor.

4. Complete unannounced quizzes, two reading assignments, two unit examinations, and a final examination.

5. Attend class on examination dates.

6. Participate in class activities and discussions.

Society, Economy and Politics :Method of Evaluation & Grading

Method of Evaluation & Grading

Student grades will be calculated using the following criteria:

-Mid-term Examination 30 percent

-Final Examination 30 percent

-Quizzes & In-Class Activities 10 percent

-Paper Assignment 20 percent

-Regularly attend class 10 percent

Semester Total 100 percent

(80 to 100 = A; 75 to 79 = B+; 70 to 74 = B; 65 to 69 = C+; 60 to 64 = C; 55 to 59=D+; 50 to 54 = D; under 49 = F)

Society, Economy and Politics :Course Outline

Course Outline

The course will follow the following outline.

1.The Relationships of the People in Society

A. The Meaning of Human Society

B. The Concepts of the Origin of Human Society

C. The Characteristics of Human Society

D. The Functions of Human Society

2. Social Structures

A. Social Groups

B. Social Status

C. Social Roles

D. Social Institutions

E. Social Norms

F. Social Mores and Law

3. Social Developments Effecting Daily Life of the People

A. Development of Human Society

B. Hunting and Food Gathering

C. Horticultural and Fishing Society

D. Pastoral or Herding Society

E. Agricultural Society

F. Industrial Society

4.Social Change and Thai Cultures

A. Characteristics of Social and Cultural Change

B. Levels of Social and Cultural Change

C. Social Change and Development

D. Indicators of Social Change

E. The Course of Social and Cultural Change

5. Economic Concepts in Human Society

A. Mercantilism

B. Classical Economics

C. Neo-classic Economics

D. Present Day Economics

6. Economic Systems in Human Society

A. Laissez-Faire or Capitalism

B. Communism

C. Socialism

D. Mixed Economy

7. Economic History

A. Economic History of the Ancient Age

B. Economic History of the Middle Age

C. Economic History of the Modern Age

D. Economic History of the Present Day

8.Economic Developments

A. Thai Economy before The Rattanakosin Era

B. Thai Economy adjusting to Westernization

C. Thai Economic Problem and Solution (B.E.2453-2468)

D. Thai Economic Problem and Solution (B.E. 2468-2503)

E. Economic Blueprint of Dr Pridi Banomyong

F. Thailand’s National Social and Economic Plans

9. Politics and Governments in Human Society

A. The Basic Political Concepts

B. Political Philosophers of the Ancient Age

C. The Impacts of the Thinking of Political Philosophers of the Ancient Age

D. Political Thinkers of the Middle Age

10.Present Political Philosophers

A. Niccolo Machiavelli

B. Thomas Hobbes

C. John Locke

D. Montesquieu

E. Jean-Jacques Rousseau

F. Friedrich Hegel

G. Karl Marx

11.Good Governance

A. History of Good Governance

B. The importance of Good Governance

C. The Principles of Good Governance

D. The Components of Good Governance

E. Tenfold King’s Dharma of Buddhism

12.Sufficiency Economy

A. Principles of Sufficiency Economy

B. The Application of Principles of Sufficiency Economy

C. Agricultural Theory Based on Thai King’s Thinking

D. Thailand’s New Agricultural Theory