Diploma in Kachin Social Studies
Part of a programme aimed at reviving the concept of desegregation by giving Burmese and other ethnic students the diverse backgrounds, history and politics of Myanmar's ethnic groups. It raises awareness of the misunderstood and under-appreciated nature of ethnic identities, builds cross-cultural knowledge of present-day problems, and gives ethnic people a platform to express their cultures both classically and contemporarily.
About this diploma
Part of a programme aimed at reviving the concept of desegregation by giving Burmese and other ethnic students the diverse backgrounds, history and politics of Myanmar's ethnic groups. It raises awareness of the misunderstood and under-appreciated nature of ethnic identities, builds cross-cultural knowledge of present-day problems, and gives ethnic people a platform to express their cultures both classically and contemporarily.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Structure
- Two semesters, 7 courses plus a seminar series and a final report, 23 credits
2 semesters, course by course.
Semester 15 courses · 13 credits
- KSS1001Kachin History3 credits
Covers the history of the Kachin people: who the Kachin are, where they came from, the creation story through to the present generation, the land of the Kachin and where they have settled generation to generation, migration and culture.
- KSS1002Kachin Culture3 credits
Ceremonies and festivals of the Kachin, reflected in belief and religion. The course examines customs, festivals and ceremonies that evolved from worship and belief, the emergence of Kachin customary law in the eighteenth century, and the later turn to Christianity.
- KSS1003Kachin Economy and Economic Geology3 credits
The main economy and livelihoods of the Kachin: principles of geology, the economic aspects of gold, jade, marble and granite in Kachin State, the environmental impacts of rare earth production, basic water knowledge and natural hazards, taught through discussion and exploration.
- KSS1004Kachin Education System through the Lens of Kachin History3 credits
Explores the historical points in Kachin education, from the emergence of Kachin literature to how Kachin education contributed to revolutionary efforts, KIO education policies and the challenges Kachin education may face in the future.
- Seminar Series1 credit
Mandatory special talks and seminars run throughout the programme. Students attend at least one seminar per semester and write a reflection on each.
Semester 24 courses · 10 credits
- KSS1005Kachin Social System3 credits
Kachin social organisation and how individuals interact: the patterned network of relationships between individuals, groups and institutions, the household (Htinggaw), the three kinds of kinship, the naming system and social norms, food and drink.
- KSS1006Kachin Politics3 credits
Kachin military history, traditional administration and the Kachin Independence Organization. The course introduces the organising principles of Kachin society and its own sense of order, thought pattern and value system across social, political, economic and religious life.
- KSS1007Kachin Arts3 credits
Traditional music, songs, dance, attire, customs, language and literature of the Kachin, including the Lost Book, musical instruments, painting and weaving (where every pattern carries a meaning), and dances such as the Manau and Htawngka.
- KSS1008Programme Report Paper1 credit
A final report or paper relating to Kachin Social Studies, five pages in English or at least seven pages in another language.
What graduates can do.
- Understand the social and cultural practices, history and linguistics of Kachin ethnic groups through the lens of local experts and local youth.
- Contribute to the collective movement on desegregation of ethnic minority people through multilingualism.
- Raise awareness of the identity and history of Kachin minority groups while promoting representation, diversity and inclusion.