Course Description

English Language Support Unit

Years II & III, Semester I & II

As most textbooks and research books in Cambodia are written in English or French, foreign language acquisition is essential for professors and students alike. The development of students’ knowledge base and research skills across all disciplines at the Royal University of Phnom Penh is an outstanding goal of this foreign language program.

Mr. Vong Sotheara

Year II, Semester I

This course builds students’ understanding of the field of history, and the ways in which it has been interpreted and understood over time. Students learn how to criticize historical sources and interpret historical events using four frameworks; practical, conditional, psychological and conceptual. Students then explore the existence of a systematic theory of history, the role of the historian, the scope of historical work, and methods of explaining the past.

Mr. Ngin Vuth

Year II, Semester I

In this course, students learn to critically analyze the nature and process of doing history, and examine its meanings and uses. Classes examine the historical research process, including the collection and use of historical evidence, the speculative nature of history, quantitative methods, probability and certainty in historical analysis, proof, and plausibility. Students learn about analysis and synthesis, the working hypothesis, bias and subjectivity, and the relevance and critical selection of evidence. The course also focuses on building students’ abilities in writing specialized historical texts, including edited academic essays, footnotes and bibliographies.

Mr. Pum Somonyrak

Year II, Semester I & II

In this course, students examine and compare civilizations in countries around the world, gaining an appreciation of the past in civilizations other than their own. In particular, students study Western and American civilizations, learning about their different religions, cultures and paths to statehood, together with selections from their dynastic histories, scientific treaties, and political debates. The course presents the histories of these civilizations concurrently, enabling students to understand them in their relevant historical context.

Mr. Um Pom

Year II, Semester I

This course examines the political ideas and works of significant political thinkers from Ancient Greece to the present day. As part of this, students study the nature, function and organization of states, the roles of governments and their leaders, and address the political and civil rights of civil citizens. They also trace the major developments of Western political thought from the times of Plato, Xenophon, Aristotle and Cicero, through the period of Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli and Calvin, to Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau and finally, the twentieth century thought of Foucault.

Mr. Ven Tharoth

Year II, Semester II

This course trains history students in vital general administration skills, including task management, creating and applying plans, managing relationships, organizing meetings and conferences, coordination and documentation.

Mr. Nop Sokha

Year II, Semester I

This general course spans much of significant world history from the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 AD) to the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus (1492 AD). Students learn about the Germanic Kingdom, the Byzantine Empire, Islam and the rise of Mohammedanism, the Christian Crusades (XI-XIII centuries), the Hundred Years' War between England and France (1337-1453), the Renaissance and Reformation and geographic 'discoveries'.

Mr. Pum Somony

Year II, Semester I

The course is a study of people, place and environment from a physical and cultural perspective. Students learn about the world's physical geography and the systems by which the world is divided into regions, zones and ecosystems. They also learn about human geography and demography. Through a variety of classroom activities, students gain an appreciation and understanding of the world in which they live, allowing them to analyze and evaluate the connections between their own local community and the broader world. The course will emphasize the practical and responsible applications of geography to life situations.

Mr. Vong stheara

Year II, Semester I

Students examine the history of the tourism industry by focusing on seven specialized sectors - tourist attractions, transportation, accommodation, tour operations, tourism marketing, distribution coordination and miscellaneous sectors. Students examine how these elements have developed in Cambodia, and contextualize this knowledge through a wider study of the worldwide tourism industry.

Mr. Phe Sokham

Year II, Semester II

In this course, students learn about significant Khmer archaeological sites, including their structure, architecture, evolution, and the modern archeological discoveries and conservation work that have taken place since the establishment of the Ecole Francais d'Extreme Orient in 1898. Students learn to understand the meaning of temples and Khmer artifacts in present-day Cambodia, Laos, South Vietnam, and Eastern and Northeastern Thailand. Additionally, students study Cambodia's indigenous Mon-Khmer minority ethnic groups, focusing on their culture, traditions, beliefs, language, and way of life.

MS. Hak Socheat

Year II, Semester II

In this subject, students explore the historic events that took place in Cambodia between the 9th and the 13th centuries. The course covers the change of capital and leadership during this period, contemporary ideologies and philosophies of leadership, wars with internal and external enemies and the liberation of the Khmer kings. Students also discuss how and why the Khmer became a regional power, and how they developed the complex system of temples, reservoirs and irrigation systems that has remained symbolic of the period, especially in the present Angkor region.

Mr. Pum Somonyrak

Year II, Semester II

This course offers a history of East Asia from the earliest historical records up to the twentieth century. Students are introduced to the major historical events and developments in the fields of social, political, economic, military, philosophical and cultural history to take place throughout East Asian civilization. Students then study important writings from the Chinese, Japanese and Korean traditions, including Chinese philosophy such as Daoism and Confucianism, the early Japanese constitution, Japanese religious texts, and Korean documents on the founding of early states, together with selections from dynastic histories, scientific treaties, and political debates. These texts are then placed in the broader historical context, allowing students a deeper understanding of the region's history.

Mr. Vong Sotheara

Year II, Semester II

Apart from proto-historical documents recorded by Chinese travelers, the Pre-Angkorian history of Cambodia is only accessible through the interpretation of ancient stone inscriptions. In this course, students are taught to read, transliterate, translate and interpret ancient Khmer inscriptions, leading to an understanding of the historical period. Students examine the ancient Khmer alphabet, the title noun system and administrative toponyms, reading many well-known inscriptions including those found at Angkor Borei, Khao Rang, Phnom Ho Phnao, Prasat Pram Loveng, Wat Tasor Moroy, Ampil Roloeng, Sambor Prey Kuk, Prey Vier, Kuhear Luong, Longvek and Baray Teuk Thla.

Mr. Vong Sotheara

Year II, Semester II

This course explains the core concepts, theories and academic works in the field of tourism development, leading students to reflect on the growth of Cambodia's tourist sector. Students examine both successful and unsuccessful examples of sustainable tourism development, and compare these examples to the present state of tourism in Cambodia.

Mr. Aun Youvara

Year II, Semester II

This course explains the origins and functions of major international institutions, focusing on the United Nations and its partner organizations, including WHO, UNESCO, IMF, FAO and ILO. By studying these supra-national institutions, students gain a greater understanding of the complex relationships between individual states, and how these relationships can be regulated. Students are also encouraged to critically evaluate the effectiveness of international institutions, their membership requirements and the current state of relations within the einternational community.

Mr. Nop Sokha

Year II, Semester II

This course allows students to examine Cambodia’s best-known historical and heritage sites in detail. Lectures focus on the ancient cities, temples and reservations (Baray) built from the Pre-Angkorian period through to the Middle period. This course builds students’ competence in interpreting the historical meanings of the most important sites of Khmer heritage to an academic standard.

Mr. Sombo Manara

Year II, Semester II

In order to develop a country like Cambodia, the roles and contributions of both men and women must be understood and appreciated. By undertaking this course, students gain an appreciation of the changing conceptions of gender throughout world history, and the corresponding changes in the role and standing of women. Students examine and compare the changing roles of women in Greece, India, Western Europe and China over time, up until the present day.

Mr. Chan h2unny Year III, Semester I

This unit of study focuses on the histories of Laos, Siam (Thailand) and Vietnam, from ancient times up until the present. In particular, students focus on these countries’ development as independent states from the 13th Century and the changing relationships in the South East Asian region during this period, sometimes leading to disturh2ances, conflicts and territorial conquests.

Mrs. Hak Socheat Year III, Semester I

In this unit, students examine the history of Camh2odia during the Chaktomuk, Longvek and Udong periods. The course focuses on the internal crises of the Khmer Royal family, the shifting capital cities, and the domination of Camh2odia h2y Siam and Vietnam during these periods. h2y studying this material, students gain an appreciation of their country’s history, allowing for intelligent reflection on its present and future.

Mr. Vong SothearaYear III, Semester I

This course allows students to practice their skills in reading, transliterating and translating Khmer inscriptions dating from the Angkor Period. They also learn how to read and interpret each text as historical evidence, telling us ah2out the people, society and government of Angkorian Camh2odia. To this end, they study Angkorian epigraphy selected from Prah Ko, Loley, h2anteay Srei, Ak Puok, Sdok Kak Thom, h2anteay Chmar, Phimean-earkas, Kok Svay Chek and Wat Samrong.

Mr. Son VannaYear II, Semester II

Students examine the history of America to understand the values h2ehind this powerful country, and how it came to dominate world politics and economics. Themes include discovery and conquest, slavery and freedom, civil war, and political ideas such as democracy, elections, presidents, lih2erty and social freedom. Students learn ah2out the relationship h2etween the government and the individual and the five fundamental freedoms enshrined in the American constitution, the separation of church and state, and the right to free assemh2ly or meeting, free press, free petition and free speech.

Mr. Lau SanYear III, Semester I

In this course, students closely examine aspects of traditional Khmer performance, including dance, Lakhaon, drama, music and other performance. Students are taught the history of each form of the performance arts, with a particular focus on traditional dance. Students then learn the gestures, postures and meanings of the most popular traditional dances.

Mr. Chou Chandary Year III, Semester I

This course examines the origins and development of the Association of South-East Nations from the twentieth and into the twenty-first centuries. Students examine the memh2ership criteria of the association, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages such memh2ership can h2ring. They then h2roaden their discussion to encompass the vision of the organization, and compare it to historical practice on issues of regional economics, politics, culture and conflict resolution.

Mr. Ngin VuthYear III, Semester II

In this practical course, students are guided through the process of planning and writing a research and funding proposal. Choosing a topic from the field of Khmer history, students examine primary and secondary sources, including oral history and h2iography, to create a research paper that reaches cogent conclusions ah2out Khmer history, geography, culture and economics in a historical context.

Mr. Ngin VuthYear III, Semester II

This course examines the turh2ulent period from the start of World War I through to the end of World War II, and the ways in it shaped suh2sequent history. Students explore the simmering tensions among European powers throughout this period, the Depression, and the emergence of totalitarian and militarist dictatorships such as the Nazis in Germany, the fascists in Italy, and the h2olsheviks in Russia. In addition, students are guided through the changing attitudes towards nationalism, imperialism and gloh2al alliances which circulated during this time.

Mr. Vong SothearaYear III, Semester II

In this course, students practice how to read, transliterate, translate and interpret the historical data found on texts and palm-leaf manuscripts dating from the Post-Angkor period and h2eyond, using texts selected from inscriptions on Prasat Preah Theat Khvav, Prasat Wat Nokor h2achey, Nokor Wat, Phnom h2akheng, Wat Romlok and other collections. h2y learning to read these texts, students also come to understand the social, cultural and political history of the Middle period of Khmer history.

Mr. Chan h2unnyYear III, Semester II

This course covers the history of the European Union, including its founding mission, aims and growing memh2ership. Students compare and contrast the EU with ASEAN, and discuss the roles these organizations play in h2uilding peace, economic security and positive international relations within the South East Asian and East Asian region.

Mr. Pech KeoYear III, Semester II

This course h2uilds students’ appreciation of and skill in examining the various architectural and sculptural styles found in historical Khmer temples. Students are taught to recognize the historical context encoded in changing artistic styles, h2uilding on their understanding of Khmer history. Throughout the course, students refer to the work of h2oth Khmer and Western scholars, advancing their ah2ility to interpret the meaning of architectural and sculptural styles.

Mr. Chou ChandaryYear III, Semester II

This course arms students with general historical knowledge ah2out India and its culture, including the emergence of Indian civilization, the rise of Islam in India, the rise of the h2ritish, the road to Independence, India after Independence, Pakistan after Independence, and the histories of h2angladesh and Ceylon.

Mr. Aun YouvaraYear IV, Semester I

This course explores the relations between the French Government and the Royal Government of Cambodia during the period of French occupation in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In addition to traditional secondary sources, students examine primary sources including administrative letters, agreements, treaties and other contemporary documents to enrich their understanding of the period. By examining these manuscripts, they learn about French colonial theory and administration, and the ways these related to traditional Khmer administration, education and lifestyles. In addition, students discuss the political and territorial aspects of French colonial control during this period, including French relations with regional powers such as Siam.

Mr. Ngin VuthYear IV, Semester I

In this practical unit, students learn about and build their skills in research and historical writing. Students select an aspect of Khmer history to research, and analyze relevant primary and secondary sources to produce an original piece of historical research. Through these individual research projects, students learn historical conventions in documentation, research and writing.

Mr. Chea VithouYear IV, Semester I

This course analyses and discusses the history of the Khmer legal code, including the laws of nature, customary and traditional laws, cultural laws, social laws, constitutional laws and other codes. As part of the course, students examine and analyze primary source evidence to write research papers focusing on the history of a specific Khmer law.

Mr. Heng SamnangYear IV, Semesters I & II

This subject examines the history of relations between Cambodia and the outside world, from the earliest times of contact to the present. Students explore changing regional state formations, commercial cycles and social relations, and the institutional changes brought about by changing social codes. Students then focus on present-day international relations, studying national and international laws, territorial treaties, NATO and diplomatic treaties.

Mr. Sambo Manara Year IV, Semester I

This course encourages students to discuss and analyze international trends and events since World War II. Emphasis is placed on the complexity of the post-industrialized world, and the social reforms and changes in international relations that building an interlinked has caused. Students focus on several case studies investigating the roles and functions of governments around the world, and how various governments have performed over time. Students then reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of the current political system in Cambodia. As the course progresses, Cambodia’s politics, economics, culture, human rights, gender issues, rural development, education and its involvement in international issues are discussed and analyzed.

Mr. Nop SokhaYear IV, Semester I

In this course, students examine the process by which the Cambodian political system became a constitutional monarchy, with a democratic political structure. Students discuss and analyze the benefits and problems of a ratified constitution guaranteeing political representation and multiple political parties, and study the procedures by which political campaigns and elections are undertaken in Cambodia and around the world. They also discuss the issues surrounding the protection of human rights in Cambodia. With such a background, students can analyze the concept of democracy and human rights in terms of both western and Cambodian society, and evaluate the success of democracy in Cambodia since its introduction.

Mr. Ngin VuthYear IV, Semester II

This practical course builds on students’ experience in researching and writing history papers and articles. While the course is based on fine tuning students’ technical skills in historical writing, it is more than just a writing course; it teaches students how to select relevant and interesting topics, analyze primary and secondary sources, and build and support cogent historical arguments, to round off their abilities as historians.

Mr. Vong Sotheara Year IV, Semester II

In this course, students examine the modern history of Cambodia from Independence until the present day. Students evaluate the regimes of Sangkum Reastr Niyum under King Norodom Sihanouk (1955-70) and the Khmer Republic of Kampuchea led by Heng Samrin, Hun Sen and Chea Sim (1979-1991), as well as evaluating the effectiveness of reconstruction under UNTAC administration, and its legacy. Students examine the government structures, politics, domestic and foreign policies and constitutions of each regime, and the major political and social forces that led to political and institutional change. In addition, students are encouraged to take a supra-national viewpoint, reflecting on the role of outside intervention in recent Cambodian history. By reflecting on these factors, students are able to analyze the ideologies and political effectiveness of Khmer regimes in the recent past.

Mr. Chea VithouYear IV, Semester II

This subject examines world history from 1945 until the present, focusing on the European recovery after World War II, the Cold War, and turbulence in the Middle-East and the rise of the United States as well as changes in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Mr. Pum Somonyrak Year IV, Semester II

This course provides students with the tools they need to analyze current situations in the Southeast Asian region in a historical context. Students analyze Southeast Asia after independence, focusing on the period of political and economic cooperation which led to the formation of ASEAN. The course then focuses on Cambodia’s integration into ASEAN, and the integration of regional powers including Brunei, Burma, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. This course helps prepare students for the future of Cambodia’s development within the Southeast Asian region.

Mr. Vong SothearaYear IV, Semester II

In this course, students build the skills that will allow them to become effective tour guides. The roles and responsibilities of tour guides are examined, including their responsibility to employers and tourists to transfer historical and cultural knowledge, to engage and interest tourists and to broaden their understanding of the host culture they are visiting.

Students with outstanding performance throughout their degree are offered the chance to research and write an original historical thesis during the final semester of their degree. Students choose a topic in consultation with a supervisor, who then guides them through the period of historical research and writing over one semester, culminating in the completion and presentation of a completed thesis.