Undergraduate ANU-THAI1002-2021

Thai 1

ANU is a world-leading university in Australia’s capital city, Canberra. Their location points to their unique history, ties to the Australian Government and special standing as a resource for the Australian people. Their focus on research as an asset, and an approach to education, ensures their graduates are in demand the world-over for their abilities to understand, and apply vision and creativity to addressing complex contemporary challenges. ANU offers an outstanding variety of programs for Australia's next generation of language leaders. Their innovative online subjects are offered from beginning to advanced levels via OUA, and various enrolment options provide for different student needs and goals.

QS RANKING 2021

Times Higher Education Ranking 2021

2021

Subject details

What you'll learn

On satisfying the requirements of this subject, students will have the knowledge and skills at an Introductory level of Thai to:

Recognise and use all Thai consonants, vowels and tone markers, including their combination in syllables
Recognise and use a basic scheme of transliteration; recognise various Thai fonts and use a Thai computer keyboard
Use an active vocabulary of about 1000 items
Recognise and use basic Thai grammar and sentence structures, such as subject verb‐object structures, conjunctions, simple modifiers, and particles
Use simple Thai expressions to discuss issues relating to kinship relations, personal status, greetings, occupations, numbers, time, food, travel‐related signs, requesting help and basic transactions
Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for Thai cultural norms and sensitivities, as well as distinctive Thai behaviours.

In order to achieve these learning outcomes, each week students are expected to study for 5 hours as follows:

60 minutes, before online lecture, working on the written and audio materials for the week, and, memorising the written and spoken forms of that week’s vocabulary
180 minutes, participating in two 90 minute sessions via zoom
60 minutes, completing weekly exercises

In addition, students are expected to spend at least 5 hours of individual study practising the week's written and spoken language forms, vocabulary, and reviewing feedback on their work. The total workload for the subject is 130 hours over 12 weeks of class and the examination period.

Topics covered

- Greeting and getting to know each other the Thai way
- Thai alphabet and vowels
- Basic rules for speaking, writing and reading Thai
- Thai style of greeting and making friends
- Thai family structure and seniority
- Thai values regarding education and professions
- Thai beliefs regarding locations and people’s place in society
- Thai beliefs regarding auspiciousness
- Thailand – Australia relationships
- Being a ‘welcome visitor’ in Thailand
- Being ‘alert’ when consuming Thai food in Thailand
- Being ‘aware’ when shopping in Thailand
- Be ’adventurous’ and ‘get off the beaten track’
- Revision & Preparation for final examination
- Conclusion

Entry requirements

Others

This is a subject for beginners. If you have prior experience in learning this language, this subject may not be appropriate for you. You may be required to take a placement test.

Additional requirements

Equipment requirements - To successfully engage in this subject students will need the following: - Laptop or computer - Computer camera (either inbuilt or webcam) - Headset with microphone - Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome browser - Reliable internet access - Access to a scanner or smartphone.
Other requirements -
This is a fast paced academic course at a University level.

Description

Thai 1 sets students on the path to an engagement with Thailand by introducing them to the Thai language, both spoken and written, and developing in them the cultural knowledge required to support effective day‐to‐day interactions. Students will develop Thai language skills in conjunction with an understanding of relevant social, political, cultural and historical contexts.

Via face-to-face video at a set time prescribed by the University. Please be aware of potential time zone differences.

Assessments

Vocabulary quizzes - 20-30 words each week (10%)
Weekly written, listening and oral homework (20%)
Students are required to actively participate in the oral class discussion during the class through activities and assessments (30%)
Oral mid-term exam, listening and reading (20%)
Oral final exam, listening and reading (20%)

Textbooks