The B.A. in Sociology is an academic program providing the educational foundation for an academic and/or professional career in various occupations. The sociology program is based on national and international standards of the Cambodian National Qualifications Framework of Higher Education (CNQF 2014) and guidelines of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoeYS), Department of Higher Education (DHE 2018). The BA program in Sociology is like the Psychology program in an infant state. Over the past decade no students have enrolled. Also, the faculty does lack the human resources to mature the program. Currently we have no faculty members with a PhD degree in Sociology. Nonetheless, some sociology courses are provided as supplementary courses for our and BA programs of other faculties by faculties with MA backgrounds in sociology. In this context, our faculty currently provides only general course descriptions for the Sociology program as outlined in this report, although course syllabi for interdisciplinary SSIR courses of this program are provided.

The Psychology program aims to facilitate our student’s academic and professional careers in various occupations. Psychology graduates will have a sound educational foundation to succeed in an academic and/or professional career. Graduates master basic concepts in their field of study, are familiar with basic research methods and their application, demonstrate proficiency in academic writing and speaking, are open-minded, tolerant and self- and socially responsible. They deal pro-actively with issues arising from their functions as citizens, members of society, and employees or supervisors. They act in the interests of Cambodia and the relevant stakeholders in society, for the continued development of their country. Psychology graduates will be well aware and knowledgeable about maintaining and promoting constructive and peaceful social relations.

Course Description

 POL 101          Introduction to Political Science

This course has been designed to give students general knowledge in politics and a basic introduction to the academic discipline known as political science. The instructor has decided to take a very quick approach to the topic: the material covered in the class will be very broad but not very deep in the hope that it will create an understanding of the most basic issues of political science. This course is also intended to demonstrate some of the reasons why people study political science outside the classroom and help the students understand their society better.

 ANTH 102      Cultural Anthropology

This course is designed as part of the general studies that any undergraduate student has to fulfill before going on for a specific major course. This course is designed to investigate the impact of culture on our everyday living and decision-making, both locally and globally. This course deals with basic concepts of the study of humans, past and present, with emphasis on their differing cultures. The course entails the students not only to learn conceptual information but also to apply it in problem solving, case studies and class debates.

 NATS 102        Environmental Science

This is a non-lab science course that is part of the general studies. Any undergraduate student has to complete it in order to go to their specific majors. This course examines the complex interaction between human being and their environment. Some fundamental concepts of environmental science are presented to students in order to make them environmentally aware about vital issues like conservation of natural resources, sustainable use of resources, environmental degradation, and rapid growth of human population coupled with technology causing major environmental problems. Emphasis is given to promote sustainable concepts and to enable students to make informed choices regarding their environment. This course is designed to make students understand theories and integrate them into practical applications through real world situation observations, consequentially allowing them to establish cause and effect relationship through impact assessment projects.

 COMP 110      Introduction to Computers

This course is one of the general courses in the FY program required by PUC to familiarize students with the use of computer as an efficient tool for their study and work. It is designed to provide non-IT students an overview of how computer system has been developed the fundamental concepts and terminologies of computer systems, knowledge of basic computer hardware and software, and the teach students how to assemble computer, install software, and computer troubleshooting. There are 2 Lab-sessions, which equal to 3 hours for students to practice computer assembling and software installation. Student will learn what computer components are, implication of information technology, and basic troubleshooting knowledge.

 ENGL 110       English I: Reading and Composition

The course, a foundation level of English as a foreign language course, is intended to guide students through models and writing practice, and to sharpen composition and analytical skills needed for good academic writing. Students will be guided through a variety of writing strategies and techniques with emphasis on sentence structure, including correct use of grammar, mechanics and sentence combining. Students will learn paragraph organization, and research and organization methods required for writing paragraphs.

 KHMR 110    Khmer Studies

Khmer Studies enables students to learn about the origins of cultures and civilization of each race, which had settled on our land, and to acquire Austro-Asian culture that is the primitive Khmer culture before the arrival of foreign cultures. Likewise, we can learn about the evaluation of Khmer culture from one era to another such as Pre-history, Norkor Phnom (Funan) era, Chenla era, Angkor era, Post-Angkor as well as present society. Moreover, Khmer Studies also focuses on the early beliefs, superstitions, and religions in which Khmer believed and practiced in various historical ages. Also, Khmer Studies is about arts, languages, literature, customs, traditions and creativities of the Khmer people. In addition, Khmer Studies enables student to be well aware of the Khmer cultural values and civilization Consequently, students will love, nurture and defend their country, races, culture and civilization and national identities in order to benefit Cambodia people as a whole. 

 SOC 110          Gender Studies

This course is the introduction to Gender Studies/Women’s Studies. Given the comprehensiveness and diversity of the overall subject area, this course will provide an introduction to and critical engagement with several specific areas of inquiry that make up Gender Studies/Women’s studies.

 ENGL 120       English II: Reading and Composition

The course, an intermediate level of English as a foreign language course, is intended to guide students through models and writing practice – particularly the essay, and to sharpen composition and analytical skills needed for good academic writing. Students will utilize a variety of writing strategies and techniques with emphasis on sentence structure, including correct use of grammar, mechanics and sentence combining. Students will learn paragraph organization, documentation and organization methods required for writing term papers.

SOC 101          Introduction to Sociology

The course introduces into the study of sociology, giving an overview over major subjects including sociological theories, research methods and fields of sociological inquiry.

POL 102          Introduction to Academic Writing for SSIR

This course introduces students how to write academic papers and to do basic research in libraries and internet. The course provides basics on how to develop concepts, research questions, summarize information without plagiarizing, to cite properly and how to write introductions and conclusions for academic papers.

 HFT 201          Health Education and Fitness

Health Education course will introduce students to basic knowledge on health education, health behavior, reproductive health, tropical diseases, sexual transmitted diseases, chronic disease, alcohol, tobacco, and domestic violence will be imparted. With this knowledge, students will have opportunity to explore the concept of health education / health promotion and health determinant factors affecting to public health.

MATH 201      College Algebra

Algebra provides materials in basic mathematics for general need in related fields such as economics, business, social science, law and so on. The topics will be covered: basic algebra operations, equations and inequalities, graphs and functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of equations and inequalities. All the topics are accompanied by applications in order to get the students to know the real use of mathematics.

ARIL 210        Academic Research: Information Literacy

The goal of this course is to instill students with information literacy (IL) skills. By the end of the course, it is expected that students will be able to “locate, evaluate and use” information of any type, in any media effectively. Moreover, IL will enable students to communicate their work in a scholarly manner within academic ethic principles. They will understand what plagiarism is and will cite their sources properly when they use someone else’s ideas or work.

PHIL 210        Logic and Critical Thinking

Students will be introduced to the basic methods and principles of logic. Students will study and apply various methods to test arguments, and apply the principles of logic, through various exercises, puzzles, and problem solving, to develop critical thinking skills. Students will study assorted forms of false reasoning and examine possible applications of this study in academic and non-academic life.

SOC 210          Introduction to Sociological Theory

The course introduces major sociological theories and sociologist of the 19th and 20th century. Among those are Max Weber, August Comte, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Theodor Adorno, Jürgen Habermas and others. Students are familiarized with theories and their relevance for explaining society.

 PHIL 212        Introduction to Ethics

This course is an introduction to the subject of ethics.  We will examine the basic concepts and principles of ethical thought, including issues of morality and self-interest, right and wrong, actions, character, consequences, motive, and their relationship to issues of law, religion, and society.  We will also read and analyze writings by famous philosophers, thinkers, and leaders regarding ethics and the “good society”.

 PSYC 212        Personal Growth and Development

Personal growth and development is part of the general studies required by PUC for the entire undergraduate program. Students in their third term must take this course. This course is designed to teach disciplinary, good behaviors, positive attitude, self-respect and self-confidence at the university as well as in the society. It will also teach study skills and time management for success in college as well as in life. Buddhist as well as western philosophy and thoughts are essential part of this course. Students can learn how to value life, develop virtues, molding themselves after great heroes. The way to obtain the “positive mental attitudes” is taught through this course.

SOC 213          Principles of Sociology

The course examines principal sociological concepts of social change, social order and stability, power, social inequality, social injustice, race, gender and ethnicity, organizations, society and religion and the relationship between individual and society. The principal concepts are discussed along contemporary social developments.

 POL 202          ASEAN Governments, Politics and Economics

The course is designed to provide students with the fundamental understanding of the functional and institutional of ASEAN. Snapshots of facts and figure of ASEAN (country profile/ country bio-data) will be provided to students for familiarizing themselves with local government structure, economic trends, relevant policy and challenges. Country bio-data identifies the characteristics and personality of each national government and their respective interest in the Association. The complexity of regional politics and economics integration will be addressed to assess the institutional function of the Association. In this course covers such topics as (1) the structure of ASEAN national governments; (2) ASEAN Economic Trends-Agreements/Mechanisms (AIA, AFTA, Market and Monetary Procedure/Harmonization); (3) perspectives of ASEAN Countries: in term of economics, politics and security; (4) ASEAN Charter; (5) ASEAN Political Security Community; (6) ASEAN Economic Community; (7) ASEAN Social and Cultural Community; (8) Cambodia and ASEAN.

HIST 230        History of Cambodia

This is a social science course that students have to fulfill before going on to their specific major course. It will be a discussion of the civil war and its consequences especially the post dark period of year 1975-79 in Cambodia. There will also be a discussion of renovation and reform after the year 1993. The changes in Khmer culture, society and economics will be discussed based on general opinions and public media. Political structure, foreign policy, gender issues, human rights, rural development, and education are also included.

 LAW 101         Introduction to Law

This course introduces students to 1) basic concepts of law and the role of law in the society; 2) law and customs; 3) law and moral, rules, and values; 4) law and its general classification; 5) law and its nature; 6) the world legal systems; 7) Khmer legal systems and its evolution; 8) the lawmaking processes and hierarchy of laws, amendment of law; 9) organization of law in society/in Cambodia, 10) law and dispute resolution.

POL 200          Political World History

The course elaborates on major political events in the past including the revolutions in GB, F and Russia and the US and the origins of the modern state system. In addition the course covers major political events in the 20th century including major political transitions and conflicts (WW II, Cold War, Colonialism, Decolonization, Democratization and Globalization) and the impacts these events and processes have on domestic and international political developments.

POL 203          Introduction to Political Economy

This course will provide a basic introduction into the essential of political economy, domestically as well as internationally, touching questions of economic development. A course to introduce students to the theories and consequences of economics, especially as it relates to political policies, income levels, currency value, and opportunities. Some of the topics covered will include Keynesian economics, supply-side economics, inflation, deflation, inflationary pressures, currency value, etc.

 PAD 207          Introduction to Public Policy and Administration

The study of public policy and pubic administration has become more important and complex in recent years. This course aims at providing students with basic concepts of public policy making process with a bunch of theories that have been widely used to understand the behaviors of both politicians and bureaucracy. Since there are several models available in the study of public policy, this course will adopt the cycle approach to look into the policy process, because this model is simple, step-by-step and practical in analyzing public policy. When public policies are made, it requires the government institutions and public servants to implement. For a long time, we always assume that implementation was static and predictable, but recently we have learned that problems of implementation are also part of policy failure. The second part of this course will focus on public administration, which consists of traditional model of public administration and new public management.

 SOC 305          Social Change in Modern Society 

The course changes and progress are inevitabilities of the world. What have been some of the most important social changes that have helped create the world in which we currently live? There are various mechanisms which continue to play an important influencing how the world change such as technology, fertility, social movements, political ideology, culture, and religion. The interplay among these various forces will be examined. By the end of this course, students should have a good grasp on the ways in which the world has changed over the past millennium, what factors propel this change, and what these forces mean for the direction of the future.

ECON 310      Economic Development

This course aims to provide students a good understanding of the existing structure and system of economic development on global, regional, and national as well as equipping students with the conceptual factors necessary to analyses the advantages and disadvantages of various developments.  It also gives students with information and knowledge, including capacity development and analytical ability to evaluate economic development mainly based on classical and neo-classical approaches. It will also seek to identify the general root causes of national poverty, and define characteristics of economic problems in developing countries. In facts, the course will incorporate other sub-factors mainly institutional reforms, effective governance, infrastructure, social inequality, demographic growth and unemployment. Basically, it is more focused on specific areas, i.e economic conditions for development, sustainable development, and public policy encouraging economic growth, trade policy and opens economy, as well as multilateral or bilateral relations amongst world economic development, environment, business, political economy, economic policy and international trade.

 PHIL 310        World Philosophy

This course will familiarize students with the major disciplines in world philosophy, in particular political philosophy, moral philosophy, philosophy of religion, aesthetics, and Eastern and Continental European philosophy.

 LAW 320         Alternative Dispute Resolution

This course introduces the theories, principles, and the important role of ADR in Cambodian legal system    which    alternate to    traditional    litigation, to    examines    the    various    ADR    models used in worldwide, to identify different ADR methods, and to recognize each method’s strengths and weakness including the overview of ADR process, analysis of its theoretical and legal underpinning and of their practical application.

 SOC 320          Organizations and Social Institutions

The course introduces into the field of organizational sociology, explaining the roles of social organizations and institutions in society. The course elaborates on different forms of social organizations including government and non-governmental organizations and organizational theories.

 PSYC 322        Introduction to Social Psychology

This course introduces undergraduate students to some of the theories, research, and applications of social psychology. Social psychology is an interdisciplinary domain that bridges the gap between psychology and sociology.  Social psychology can useful for students who want to have a deeper understanding of marketing principles, conformity, self-concepts, prejudice, group dynamics, and crowd violence. It is hoped that through this course students will have a better understanding of why people act as they do in various social situations. The course can also help students raise their awareness of their attitudes, self-concept, prejudices, and social behavior.

PSYC 329        Psychology of Motivation 

An important area of psychology understands human behavior, specifically what pushes individuals to choose a given course of action over another? Why are some people driven to work hard to succeed, while others hope for good fortune? This course will examine various theories which attempt to explain human motivation including Instinct Theory (all animals have inborn instincts which guide behavior), Drive Reduction Theory (people simply seek to satisfy emerging demands), Arousal Theory (people require a certain amount of arousal to remain happy), Psychoanalytic Theory (people seek to preserve themselves), Humanistic Theory (humans as complex creatures seek to actualize their potentials), and Operant Theory (humans want to be rewarded and avoid punishment). Additionally, students will learn about some important theories explaining human emotion.

SOC 329          Research Methods in Social Sciences

The course introduces into intermediate research methods in social science with emphasis on research methods in international relations. The course builds on the first and second year courses in academic writing and information literacy introducing students to conventional and unconventional research methods in social sciences in order to prepare them for senior projects as well as employment in research projects conducted by PUC or other institutions.

SOC 330          Comparative Perspectives on Western and Asian Societies                    

The course elaborates on contemporary social, economic and political developments in Western and Asian societies. Sociological theories are elaborated on their usefulness to explain social transformations in Western and Asian societies.  Social developments in Asia and Western societies are compared.

 STAT 201        Introduction to Statistics & Its Application

This course is designed for students who have never taken statistics before. We begin with the elementary concept of statistics, continue to descriptive statistics and end with inferential statistics. Students will learn how to present qualitative and quantitative data, both by using graphs and summary values. They also learn basic probability theory in order to understand the concept of inferential statistics. The two kinds of inferences, confidence intervals and test hypotheses are included at the end of the course.

IR 300             SSIR Practicum

This is an experience where students will work in an organization/government to gain some insight into demands of work with a social science career. Students will be required to write an 8 to 10-page paper talking about their reflections and tying in the work they did to the theories they have learned in the classroom.

 POL 302          International Organizations

The course focuses on those organizations that are international in nature, for example global and regional organizations like the UN and EU, and examine the role of these organizations in the international system. Furthermore, the course also discusses the impact of such organizations on the behaviour of states and their role in peace and conflict.

POL 305          Human Rights and World Politics

The course provides an exhaustive discussion of the concept of human rights, then compares and contrasts the status of such rights in various systems of the world, and finally examines the impact of this concept on foreign policy and international relations. In the implementation of the course detailed analysis of institutions promoting human rights will be provided.

POL 405          The Politics and Economics of Globalization

The course provides an overview on the contemporary process of globalization. Globalization will be first studied in its meaning and dimensions as a global process of integration touching not only the economic, but also the political, social and cultural sphere.

The second part of the course focus on the study of global politics and global issues including the pros and cons of globalization and the challenges it pose for the political, social and economic sphere.

COM 423        Media and Popular Culture

How does popular culture affect yours and other people's lives? How does it reflect and change societies? Using the filter of cultural theories, we will examine and analyze how and why popular culture does what it does. The goals of the class are to review cultural theories, to learn to apply them to different forms of popular culture, to a wide range of popular cultural products from a global perspective. Finally, to gain a greater understanding of popular culture's role in our lives, and as a result, gain an expanded understanding of our relationship to society.

 SOC 426          Culture, Technology and Society

This course examines critically how science and technology shape societies, cultures, and the environment. Technology and sciences have led to immense human progress in communication, transportation, health and the energy and production and consumption sector. On the other hand the uneven distribution of technology and sciences and the problem of developing social and environmental sustainable technology and sciences demonstrate that technology and sciences alone cannot solve the most fundamental problems of human existence.

 SOC 427          Contemporary Social Problems

Sociology seeks to understand people’s personal choices from a societal perspective. This class examines problems such as inequality, poverty, alcoholism and drug use, criminal behaviour, and racism and then looks at how public policy can best understand and effectively handle these issues. Some of the various approaches examined will include advocacy, outreach, and allocation of resources, community organization, and community education.

SOC 428          Poverty and Social Issues

Students will come to understand what poverty is, statistics about poverty, theories to understand poverty, along with its systemic etiology. Much of the course will look at the consequences and human price that is paid in terms of health, education, self-esteem, illegal behavior, being pressured into questionable jobs, alcohol and drug use, housing, violence, political engagement, mental hygiene, parenting, susceptibility to individual or structural abuse, and prejudice. The last portion of the course will address what steps can be taken to reverse poverty and its effects, especially in developing countries.

SOC 430          Power and Social Changes

Students will come to understand various conceptions and theories related to power. Students will also learn about tactics to accumulate power and different types of power. From this theoretical base, students will think about the challenges of participation and power relations and what it means to facilitate change. One must understand how people participate in society in pursuit of social justice. Citizens and their organizations, policymakers, development workers and researchers increasingly appreciate that standard recipes for managing the complexity of our inter-connected world have not worked.

 SOC 431          Advanced Sociological Theory

The course builds on the course Introduction to Sociological theory offered in the third year. The objective is to deepen students understanding of major sociological theories and their relevance in explaining, interpreting and understanding social realities.

SOC 435          Gender, Power, Equality and Violence

Historically women have been systematically treated in an inferior manner. This course will examine the reasons for this and what the consequences of this treatment are for women today. Gender is viewed as a social, historical, and cultural construction that has profound influences on the opportunities, education, acceptance, and political voice of women. Societal violence that is both condoned and not condoned will be discussed.

 NATS 413       Environment and Sustainable Development

The course is designed to raise the students awareness of the various socio-economic and technical issues involved in sustainable development, and to give a broad overview of the different areas of concern as expressed by practitioners.

POL 419          Public Policy Analysis

The course specializes on policy analysis in respect to policy outputs (how policies are made and implemented) and outcomes (if policies achieve expected aims/objectives) and respective concepts for policy evaluation. A broad range of policy areas might be chosen reaching from analysis of health policies, economic policies, social security policies and education policies to foreign policies, infrastructure and environmental policies among others. Students get familiarized with public policies and policy analysis.

 SOC 420          Pro-Seminar in Sociology

This course requires students to develop an academic paper, which they will have to defend in class. A broad range of sociology related topics might be covered in the course depending on the lecturer. Focus should be to strengthen student’s skills to develop advanced academic papers and strengthen their communication skills in defending their academic papers in class. Students will be chosen to cross-read the paper of other students.

 POL 431          Political Sociology

Participants are familiarized with major sociological theories relevant for political science. This might include theories of structuralism, phenomenology, post-modernism and neo-Marxism. Sociological theories are elaborated in their relevance and contributions for political science to better understand and explain political developments.

 COM 450        Media in The Digital Age

This course explores the impact of citizen journalism, social networking sites, online video, mobile technology, and other aspects of new media on the media industry. The course also examines issues relating to digital journalism and business entrepreneurship in the rapidly evolving media marketplace, and the implications of changes in media for public affairs professionals.

ECON 468      Political Economy

Students will learn the concept and function of political economy, namely the interconnectivity of economics and politics, and on how this nexus affects government behavior, or policies. Students will also learn the practical lessons and theories of political economy that has profoundly impacted international politics and international relations. The course intends for students to grapple with the inter-relationship of the international financial institutions (IFIs) with society and the state as well as the global order.

SOC 489          Senior Project, Internship Report or Exit Exam