Introduction
Contact Info
Head of Department:
Mr. Thea Sokmeng
Tel: (855) 12-894-494
Office : Room #304, Campus I
The Bachelor of Arts in Khmer Literature teaches students to analyse, explain and compare all aspects of Khmer language and literature. Students gain an expert knowledge of Khmer language and literature, which forms the basis of Khmer culture and identity. As Cambodia becomes increasingly involved in exchanges with foreign countries, it is important that Cambodians understand their own culture, and use it as a starting point for building relationships with others. During the four years of their degree, students develop advanced skills for social research, preparing them for a wide range of careers including teaching, journalism, and government work in areas such as information, tourism and culture, as well as work in non-government organizations (NGOs).
About
About
A faculty of Khmer Language was established in 1985 at what was then called the Ecole Normale Superieur. It then became the Department of Khmer Literature in 1996 under the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, when the institution was renamed the Royal University of Phnom Penh. The degree course in Khmer Literature was established to provide a deep awareness and knowledge of the Khmer language, literature, culture and civilization, to consolidate national identity and help rebuild the nation after the years of unrest. A 3-year Maitrise and DEA in Linguistics began at RUPP in February 2002. It is run by French academics from the University of Besançon (France) and Khmer staff. Lecturers in Khmer Literature undertake this advanced course of study to further their expertise.
Admission
Admission to the degree of Bachelor of Arts (Khmer Literature) is administered by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, based on sound results in the High School Certificate subjects of Khmer Literature and History.
Goals
RUPP-HR4Asia
The irruption of Human Resource Management (HRM) as a strategic element for quality development of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is relatively recent. Few decades back and until our days, HR approaches just focused on staff recruitment, employment contracts and payment
Assessment
Assessment is based on semester examinations, written assignments and fieldwork at archaeological sites such as Angkor Wat and Angkor Borei. Final year students either write a thesis, or complete coursework towards a final examination. The thesis option, usually reserved for the top 10% of the class, is presented and defended to the department in place of a final exam.
Curriculum
*Explanation: The code a(b-c) indicates the study load and number of credits.In this example:’a’= number of credits, ‘b’ = number of lecture hours, and ‘c’ = number of tutorial or practical hours.
*Note: English language, run by ELSU, runs on a variable course code system, ENG001- ENG 412depending on students’ skill level.
Total Credits: 165 Credits
YEAR TWO
Semester One Semester Two 29 hours/week code 24 credits 28 hours/week code 25 credits General Education General Education English Language III* 2(6-0) English Language IV* 2(6-0) Computer Concepts I HKL201 1(1-1) Computer Concepts II HKL209 1(1-1) Major Courses Major Courses Folk Literature II HKL202 3(2-1) Khmer Literature I(pre-Angkor) HKL210 2(6-0) Linguistics I HKL203 3(2-1) Pali II HKL211 3(2-1) Pali I HKL204 3(2-1) Sanskrit II HKL212 3(2-1) Sanskrit I HKL205 3(2-1) Sematics HKL213 3(2-1) Phonetics and Phonology HKL206 3(2-1) Inscription II HKL214 3(2-1) Inscription I HKL207 3(2-1) Aesthetics HKL215 3(2-1) Sociological Theories HKL208 3(2-1) Asian Studies(people and culture) HKL216 3(2-1) Indian Literature HKL217 3(2-1)
YEAR THREE
Semester One Semester Two 27 hours/week code 23 credits 27 hours/week code 19 credits General Education General Education English Language V* 2(6-0) English Language VI* 2(6-0) Major Courses Major Courses Khmer Literature II(Angkorian) HKL301 3(2-1) Khmer Literature III(Post Angkorian) HKL308 2(6-0) Linguistics II HKL302 3(2-1) Theory of Khmer Literature II HKL309 3(2-1) Lexicology HKL303 3(2-1) Research Methods HKL310 3(2-1) Asian Literature I HKL304 3(2-1) Asian Literature II HKL311 3(2-1) Parts of Speech HKL305 3(2-1) Western Literature I HKL312 3(2-1) Khmer Culture I HKL306 3(2-1) Khmer Culture II HKL313 3(2-1) Chinese Literature HKL307 3(2-1)
YEAR FOUR
Semester One Semester Two 18 hours/week code 17 credits 18 hours/week code 17 credits Major Courses Major Courses Khmer Literature IV(1953-1970) HKL401 3(2-1) Khmer Literature V(1970-Present) HKL407 3(2-1) Comparative Literature I HKL402 3(2-1) Linguistics III HKL408 3(2-1) Theory of Literature III HKL403 3(2-1) Grammar (Overall Reflection) HKL409 3(2-1) Western Literature II HKL404 3(2-1) Khmer Culture III HKL410 3(2-1) Syntax HKL405 3(2-1) Comparative Literature
AND/ORHKL412 3(2-1) Thesis HKL413
Course Description
GENERAL EDUCATION
ENG101-ENG410 English Language III – VI
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.
HKL201 Computer Concepts III-IV
Department of Computer Science
Year II, Semesters I & II
In this course, students learn to use MS Word and MS Excel programs, which are essential for further progress in their studies and their future careers. Students gain practical and theoretical knowledge in how to use and create texts, tables, pictures, WordArt, calculations, graphics and utilising the MS Access database management program.
MAJOR COURSES
HKL202 Folk Literature II
Mr Heng Kimvan Year II, Semester I
Building on the knowledge of folk tales acquired during Foundation Year, students analyse and use folk conventions to write their own fairytale. Students then examine the social meaning and basic characteristics of folk literature, methods of research, and different types of folk narratives, including myths, fairytales, fables and humorous fairytales.
HKL203 Linguistics I (Different Theories)
Mr. Yeang Virakbot
Year II, Semester I
Students learn about different linguistic theories, including those of Ferdinand de Saussere, Tesniere, Noam Chomsky and Andre Martinet.
HKL204 Pali I & HKL211 Pali II
Mr. Yok Sieng
Year II, Semesters I & II
This course consists of a study of Pali, including its palaeography, alphabet, nouns, adjectives, translations, verb conjugations, tenses and pronouns. Categories covered include numbers, declensions, gender, affixes, prepositions and compound words, as well as methods of reduction, augmentation, elision, and translation practice.
HKL205 Sanskrit I & HKL212 Sanskrit II
Mr. Yok Sieng
Year II, Semesters I & II
Students study the Sanskrit alphabet, vowels, consonants, combinations of vowels and consonants, and conjunct consonants of two and three letters. Topics include nouns, the three genders, eight declensions of nouns and articles, pronouns, verbs and compound words, as well as methods of reduction, augmentation, elision, and translation practice.
HKL206 Phonetics and Phonology
Dr. Chan Somnoble
Year II, Semester I
This course introduces students to basic phonetic analysis. They learn of phonetics and phonology, the anatomy and physiology of words, initiation, phonation and articulation, the phonetic classification of language and sound, and the imitation of acoustic phonetics. Students then apply this knowledge with a phonetic analysis of the Khmer language.
HKL207 Inscription I
Mr. Yeang Virakbot
Year II, Semester I
Students study the alphabet on stone inscriptions, and learn to read and write texts in ancient Khmer. They then analyse the phonetics and linguistic features of these inscriptions.
HKL208 Sociological Theories
Dr. Hean Sokhom
Year II, Semester I
Following from the Foundation course in Sociology, this course acquaints students with various theories in the field of sociology, and teaches them to think in a sociological manner.
HKL309 Theory of Literature II
Mr. Thea Sok Meng
Year III, Semester II
Students learn about the special characteristics of literature including literary image, literary models, literary truth and aesthetics. They also study theories about the relationship between literature and society, the characteristics of social class in literature, and literary nationalism.
HKL310 Research Methods
Mr. Ith Sothea
Year III, Semester II
In this course, students gain a basic understanding of social, cultural and literary research methods. They then practice their skills by gathering and analyzing primary and secondary sources from which they produce a fully referenced research paper.
HKL312 Western Literature I
Mr. Chan Vathna and Ms. Van Sovathana
Year III, Semester II
This course examines the literature of Classical Greece, the European Renaissance and the Classical Romantic period.
HKL313 Khmer Culture II
Mr. Sok Kosal
Year III, Semester II
In this course, students explore, compare and contrast the rituals, practices, art and culture of Buddhism and Brahmanism during the Funan, Chenla, and Angkorian epochs.
HKL401 Khmer Literature IV (1953-1970)
Mr. Ponn Chhay
Year IV, Semester I
Students analyze the evolution of literary ideas and texts during the period of Cambodian independence. They study the works of Keng Vansak (Selected poetry –
Young Lady Heart and Desire in the Prison
), Biv Chhay Leang, (Historical works –Turn Back
), Suo-Sorin (New Sun Rises on the Old Earth
); Kuock Kileng (Robbers Heart in the Rich
Man); and Koy Sarum (The Last Shelter
).HKL402 Comparative Literature I & HKL411 Comparative Literature II
Mr. Monh Sary
Year IV, Semesters I & II
In this course, students conduct a comparative study of
Tum Teav
withRomeo and Juliet
orTristan and Isolde
;Andromaque
withRemaken P
art Four
(Santa Kiri),Le Cid
withChau Sratop Chek
;Madame Bovary
withKa Key
;Le Rouge et le Noir
withKolap Pailin
and the IndianRamayana
withRearn Ker Khemen
. They compare and contrast international literature, focussing on literary elements including narration, tone, sound devices, themes and meanings.HKL403 Theory of Literature III
Mr. Thea Sok Meng
Year IV, Semester I
In this course, students examine modernist elements and style in writing and literature, including realism, romanticism, nationalism, creation, imitation and new-creative literary styles.
HKL404 Western Literature II
Ms. Van Sovathana, Mr. Chan Vathna, Mr. Monh Sary
Year IV, Semester I
Students examine the themes of realism, naturalism, symbolism and existentialism in Western literature.
HKL405 Syntax
Mr. Yeang Virakbot
Year IV, Semester I
In this course, students analyse the gender of syntax relations, forms represented by syntax relations, groups of words, phrases, sentences, clauses, and the syntax of different kinds of words.
HKL406 Dissertation I
Mr. Thea Sok Meng
Year IV, Semester I
In this course, students learn the methodology involved in writing a research report or narrative with themes taken from traditional folk stories.
HKL407 Khmer Literature V (1970-Present)
Mr. Ponn Chhay
Year IV, Semester II
Students gain an understanding of Cambodia immediately before 1970, the Lon Nol coup, and the periods of 1970-1979 and 1979-present through famous works of Khmer literature.
HKL408 Linguistics III (Socio-Linguistics)
Mr. Yeang Virakbot
Year IV, Semester II
In this course, students explore the relationship between language and society, and analyse the objectives and usages of language.
HKL409 Grammar (Overall Reflection)
Mr. Yeang Virakbot
Year IV, Semester II
Students examine the characteristics of Khmer language, including articulation, syllables and syllable derivations, vowels and consonants.
HKL410 Khmer Culture III
Mr. Sok Kosal
Year IV, Semester II
In this course, students analyse the concepts of ‘Khmerness’ and Khmer identity through an exploration of Cambodian society, family, education and the impact of tradition of Khmer behaviour. They then examine cultural knowledge from the past and how it has contributed to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Khmer identity following recent periods of upheaval.
HKL412 Dissertation II
Mr. Thea Sok Meng
Year IV, Semester II
In this course, students learn how to write a commentary, discussion, or comparison on themes taken from traditional Buddhist and Brahmanist stories, or from Khmer literature.
HKL413 Thesis
Year IV, Semester II
Students with outstanding performance throughout their degree are offered the chance to research and write an original thesis in Khmer Literature during their final semester. Students choose a topic in consultation with a supervisor, who then guides them through the period of research and writing over one semester, culminating in the completion and presentation of a completed thesis.
Staff
Head of Department:
Mr. Thea Sok Meng (1989): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1991; Preliminary Masters in Khmer Literature, RUPP, 1997; Certificate of Participation (Fulbright Program), Arizona State University (USA), 1997.
Dr. Hean Sokhom (1993): M.A. (Linguistics), Academy of Sciences(Russia) 1984; Ph.D. (Linguistics), Academy of Sciences(Russia), 1992.
Mr. Sok Kosal (1982): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1970; M.A. (Aesthetics), University of Ho Chi Minh City(Vietnam), 1993.
Ms. Nor Channy (1994): M.A. (Philology & Russian Literature), Simferopol University (Ukraine), 1993.
Ms. Van Sovathana (1994): M.A. (Philology), Simferopol University(Ukraine), 1993.
Ms. Em Vanna (1994): M.A. (Russian Literature), Simferopol University(Ukraine), 1993.
Mr. Yok Sieng (1988): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1989.
Mr. Touch Phara (1988): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP;M.A. (Political Science), Chamroeun University of Polytechnics, (Cambodia), 2005.
Mr. Hun Thirith (1989): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1990.
Mr. Heng Kimvan (1992): B.A. (Literature and Linguistics), Pedagogical University of Vientiane (Lao PDR), 1992.
Ms. Chea Phally (1990): B.A. (Literature and Linguistics) Pedagogical University of Vientiane (Lao PDR), 1990; M.A. (Linguistics), RUPP, 2005.
Ms. Samreth Sothea (1995): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1994; Preliminary Masters (Research Methodologies and Practice), RUPP, 1997; M.A. (Linguistics), RUPP, 2005.
Mr Yeang Virakbot (1996): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1995; M.A. (Linguistics), RUPP,2006.
Ms. Va Sophea (1996): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1995.
Mr. Ith Sothea (1998): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1996; M.A. (Sociology and Anthropology), RUPP,2006.
Mr. Chan Vathna (1998): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1997; Certificate of Teacher Training, Faculty of Pedagogy (Phnom Penh), 1998.
Mr. Veng Chhang (1989): B.A. (Philosophy), RUPP, 1989; M.A. (Tourism), Chamroeun University of Polytechnics, (Cambodia), 2004.
Mr. Ponn Chhay (1988): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1988; M.A. (Tourism), Chamroeun University of Polytechnics, (Cambodia), 2004.
Ms. Keb Sokunthearoth (1994): M.A. Philology, Simferopol University(Ukraine), 1993.
Dr. Chan Somnoble (1996): B.A. (French), RUPP, 1995; M.A. (Linguistics), Universite de Paris X (Nanterre) (France), 1998; Ph.D. (Sciences du Language), Universite de Paris X (Nanterre) (France), 2002.
Visiting Lecturer:
Mr. Monh Sary (1987): B.A. (Khmer Literature), RUPP, 1973.
Activities
Date: September 4, 2025
Type: Training
Uploaded By: Staff
Activities
