Module Code and Title:        BES301 Bhutanese Society, Culture and Economy        

Programme:                          BSc in Environmental Management

Credit:                                    12

Module Tutor(s):                   Jamyang Pelmo (Coordinator), Tshewang Dorji  

General objective: This module provides an overview of Bhutanese society, culture, and economic growth along with accompanying structural changes in the Bhutanese economy during the periods of planned economic development. It focuses on the synergy of Bhutanese society with culture and social capital. Students will be introduced to Bhutan’s development paradigm and its role in the nation’s development.

Learning outcomes – On completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Describe the fundamental sociological concepts and their historical evolution.
2. Investigate how social capital could be integral for human society.
3. Analyse the impacts of social change on the economy.
4. Explain the importance of social capital for the economy.
5. Analyse the time pattern of growth and accompanying structural changes in Bhutan.
6. Describe the economy as a social institution.
7. Examine the functions and importance of the cultural institutions for the Bhutanese society.
8. Discuss the significance of Gross National Happiness for Bhutanese economy.
9. Correlate the contribution of culture and social capital to the Bhutanese economy.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

Assessment Approach:

1. Individual Essay: 15%

Students are required to write an essay that investigates unique cases demonstrating how social capital can be an integral part of sustainable socio-economic growth in Bhutan. They are required to substantiate their arguments with examples and theoretical arguments discussed during class lectures. The assignment will be 1000-1250 words in length and be assessed according to the following criteria:

2%       Proposal outlining the selected topic and proposed argument

5%       Quality of content and argument (includes well stated and original analysis, use of relevant and adequate support for all claims made, ties analysis to relevant module concepts)

5%       Application to Bhutanese context

3%       Mechanics (Language and referencing)

1. Group Presentation: 15%

Students will be divided into small groups of 4 members. Each group will be assigned a particular topic from the theme discussed during the class related to cultural components of Bhutan. Group presentations will be 10-15 minutes in length.

8%       Content (including the use of sources, how well does the presentation address all claims relevant and supported)

3%       Organization, teamwork, language and discussion

4%       Delivery (oral presentation, use of visual aid and effort to engage the audience)

1. Class Discussion: 15%

During the semester students will be responsible for working with one or two partners to lead a class discussion about 20-25 minutes, about a relevant reading (development policies and plans in Bhutan). During the discussion, students will be responsible for (1) summarizing the reading in their own words, including identifying and explaining key terms and concepts, (2) preparing discussion questions to stimulate class discussion (3) facilitating a clear and helpful discussion that will help the class both understand the reading and engage more critically with its main arguments and ideas.

3%       Pre-discussion meeting (attendance and preparedness)

6%       Quality and accuracy of summary (focus should be on arguments)

3%       Thoughtfulness and effectiveness of discussion questions

3%       Quality and effectiveness of facilitation of discussion (including balance between facilitator and class participation)

1. Midterm Examination: 15%

Students will take a written exam of 1.5-hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester. The exam will comprise structured questions like MCQ, fill-in-the-blanks, matching, definition, as well as open-ended essay questions.

1. Semester-End Examination: 40%

Students will take a written exam of 2.5-hr duration encompassing all the subject matter covered in the semester. This assessment is comprehensive and summative in nature, and will comprise structured questions like MCQ, fill-in-the-blanks, matching, definition, as well as open-ended essay questions.

Overview of assessment approaches and weighting

Pre-requisites: None

Subject matter:

1. Unit I: Introduction to Human society
   • Concept, meaning and origin of human society
   • Importance of society to the individual
   • Characteristics and functions of society
   • Factors of social changes
   • Social institutions
     • Organizational differences in patterns of earning livelihoods
     • Divisions of labour: traditional versus modern
     • Social mobility: factors affecting social mobility
     • Processes of social changes
     • Social problems, societal crimes
     • Means of social control: mores, morals, religion and law
     • Functions of religion for individuals and society

2. Unit II: Social Capital
   • Concept and historical evolution
   • Importance of Social Capital
   • Conceptual framework and Method
     • Structural social capital
     • Cognitive social capital
     • Cooperation and collective action (Self-rated happiness, poverty perception and social capital)
   • Bhutanese Society and Social Capital
     • Diversity and strength of cultural traditions in Bhutan
     • Social network and support
     • Bhutanese social values as the basis of social capital
     • Different forms of social capital in Bhutan
     • Social capital and civil society

3. Unit III: Bhutanese Culture
   • Importance of values and beliefs in Bhutanese culture
   • The role of norms in preservation and conservation of culture
   • The significance of language in culture
   • Importance of symbols and technologies in preservation and conservation of culture
   • Functions and importance of the cultural institutions for the Bhutanese society
   • Case studies on culture and economy
4. Unit IV: Bhutanese Economy
   • Brief history of the Bhutanese economy prior to 1960
   • Pattern and growth of economy since 1960
   • Factors that leading to changes in Bhutanese economy
   • Sectoral growth and development
     • Social and physical infrastructure
     • Health and education
     • Transportation and Communication
     • Agriculture
   • Structural changes and economic development
   • Impacts of Bhutanese Economy on society and culture:
     • Food habits
     • Migration
     • Birth and death
     • Dress and etiquette
     • Art and architect

5. Unit V: Development Planning and Policies
   • History of development plans and policies of Bhutan
   • Gross National Happiness: Concept; the domains of socioeconomic development; the pillar of environmental conservation
   • Institutional framework and policy measures: Role of GNH commission and local government
   • Review of development plans and policies: Five-year plans, Economic Development Policies
6. Unit VI: Social Capital and Economy
   • The relationship between economic development and social capital
   • Contributions of social capital to Bhutanese economy
   • Comparative analyses of past situations with the present, and future outlooks
   • Case Study on social capital and economic development

Reading List:

Essential Reading

Asian Development Bank. (2013). Bhutan critical development constraints. Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

Kumagai, S. (2018). Buddhism, culture and society in Bhutan. Kathmandu, Nepal: Vajra Books.

Macionis, J.J., & Plummer, K. (2013). Sociology: A global introduction. (5th ed.). Harlow, Englland: Pearson Education Ltd.

Lham Dorji, L., Jamtsho, C., Gyeltshen, S., & Dorji, C.  (2013). Bhutan’s case: Social capital, household welfare and happiness, Monograph Series 5. Thimphu, Bhutan: National Statistics Bureau.

Royal Government of Bhutan. Five-year plan documents. Gross National Happiness Commission.

Woolcock, M., & Narayan, D. (2000). Social capital: Implications for development theory, research, and policy. World Bank Research Observer, 15(2): 225-249.

Additional Reading

Choden, K., & Wangchuk, D. (2018). Bhutan – Culture Smart: The essential guide to custom and culture. London, England: Kuperard.

Coleman, J.S. (1988). Social capital in the creation of human capital. American Journal of Sociology Supplement 94, S95-S120.

Ellickson, R.C. (1991). Order without law: How neighbours settle disputes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Field, J. (2003). Social capital (Key ideas). London, England: Routledge.

Fukuyama, F. (2000). Social capital and civil society. IMF Working Paper WP/00/74. Washington, DC: International Monetary Fund.

Grootaert, C., & Van Bastelaer, T. (2001). Understanding and measuring social capital: a synthesis of findings and recommendations. Washington, DC: World Bank SCI.

Knack, S., & Keefer, P. (1997). Does social capital have an economic payoff?  a country investigation. College Park, MD: Univ. of Maryland IRIS.

Mitra, S. & Jeong, H. Y (Eds.). (2017). Bhutan: New pathways to growth. New Delhi, India: Oxford University Press. 

Schuelka, M.J. (Ed.). (2013). Proceedings from the International conference on leveraging Cultural Diversity, Thimphu, Bhutan: Royal Thimphu College and Helvetas.

Date: June 2021