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Khon Kaen University

Bachelor of Fine Arts Program in Performing Arts

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Fine Arts Program in Performing Arts

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts program is holistically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals by cultivating creative professionals who are not only skilled artists but also cultural communicators and agents of social change. The curriculum's philosophy, which emphasizes creative expression, cultural preservation, community engagement, and professional ethics, provides a robust framework for addressing the social and cultural dimensions of sustainability. The program is a powerful engine for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by training artists to safeguard and promote intangible cultural heritage, particularly that of the Isan region. It directly champions SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing a high-quality arts education and preparing future educators. Furthermore, the curriculum addresses key social goals, including promoting social inclusion and giving a voice to diverse groups (SDG 10, SDG 5), and using theatre as a medium for social commentary and advocacy for peace and justice (SDG 16). By preparing graduates for the creative economy, it supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and its collaborative projects embody the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: This program provides a high-quality, specialized education in the creative field of performing arts, equipping students with the technical, conceptual, and vocational skills needed for a successful career. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and an appreciation for cultural diversity, which are essential skills for lifelong learning and promoting sustainable development.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
FA144701Research in Performing ArtsEnhances education for sustainable development by teaching students how to conduct research to inform their artistic practice, fostering a culture of critical inquiry and lifelong learning (Target 4.7).
FA144801Cooperative EducationProvides inclusive and equitable quality education through extensive, supervised practical work experience, ensuring students acquire the vocational skills for employment in the creative and education sectors (Target 4.4).

SDG 5 Icon SDG 5: Gender Equality

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to gender equality by providing a platform for artists to explore and critique issues of gender and identity. The performing arts are a powerful medium for challenging stereotypes, promoting diverse representations of gender, and raising awareness about gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
FA143404Contemporary Performing ArtsSupports gender equality by providing a space to critically analyze and create performances that explore contemporary social issues, including gender identity and representation, helping to challenge stereotypes (Target 5.1).

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The program is a direct driver of decent work and economic growth by preparing graduates for careers in the creative economy. The curriculum's focus on professional practice, entrepreneurship, and business management is designed to create jobs and enhance the cultural and economic vitality of communities.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
FA141102Performing Arts for Creative EntrepreneursDirectly encourages entrepreneurship and the creation of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises in the creative sector, which are vital for job creation and economic growth (Target 8.3).
FA143501Performing Arts Business ManagementContributes to higher levels of economic productivity through innovation and value addition in the creative industries (Target 8.2).

SDG 10 Icon SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Alignment Summary: The program helps to reduce inequalities by fostering performance practices that can give a voice to marginalized communities. Theatre for community and other forms of applied theatre can be powerful tools for promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all people, irrespective of their background.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
FA143405Theatre for CommunityDirectly aims to reduce inequality by using theatrical processes to empower and promote the social inclusion of all, giving a platform to the voices of marginalized communities (Target 10.2).

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: This program is essential for making communities more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable by focusing on the preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage. The study and practice of Thai and Isan performing arts are vital for safeguarding the cultural identity that makes communities unique and resilient.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
FA142302Thai DanceDirectly contributes to safeguarding and strengthening efforts to protect the world’s intangible cultural heritage by focusing on a significant national art form (Target 11.4).
FA142303Folk DanceProtects and promotes local and regional cultural heritage, particularly that of Isan, by studying and performing traditional dances, which strengthens community identity (Target 11.4).
FA143405Theatre for CommunityStrengthens positive cultural and social links within communities by using theatre as a tool for engagement, social cohesion, and local development (Target 11.A).

SDG 16 Icon SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies by providing a powerful medium for social and political commentary. The performing arts can be used to advocate for peace, raise awareness about injustice, and provide a platform for dialogue, thereby contributing to the development of more just and peaceful societies.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
FA143404Contemporary Performing ArtsPromotes fundamental freedoms by providing artists with the tools to create work that engages in social critique and political discourse, ensuring public access to diverse viewpoints (Target 16.10).
FA143405Theatre for CommunityPromotes inclusive societies by using theatre as a process for community building and dialogue, which can help to resolve local conflicts and strengthen social cohesion (Target 16.7).

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships through its cooperative education model and its emphasis on community-based theatre. These components create a vital bridge between the university, cultural institutions, community organizations, and the public, facilitating the collaborative work needed to achieve the SDGs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
FA144801Cooperative EducationDirectly encourages and promotes effective public-private and civil society partnerships by immersing students in real-world arts, education, and cultural organizations (Target 17.17).
FA143405Theatre for CommunityEnhances multi-stakeholder partnerships by teaching artists how to work collaboratively with community members and local organizations to achieve shared cultural and social goals (Target 17.17).