Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Fine Arts Program in Cultural Research, Fine Arts and Design

SDG Alignment for Master of Fine Arts Program in Cultural Research, Fine Arts and Design

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Fine Arts Program in Cultural Research, Fine Arts and Design is fundamentally aligned with the principles of sustainable development by fostering a deep understanding of cultural heritage and promoting the creative economy. The program's philosophy emphasizes interdisciplinary research that integrates local wisdom with contemporary art and design to create social and economic value. This focus provides a powerful and direct contribution to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by training experts to safeguard and promote cultural heritage. It also strongly supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by equipping graduates to innovate within the creative industries and contribute to sustainable tourism. As a master's-level program centered on research, it is a clear pillar of SDG 4 (Quality Education). Furthermore, the curriculum's exploration of cultural identity, rights, and intellectual property aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a master's program, this curriculum epitomizes quality education by offering advanced, research-focused training. It is designed to create researchers and practitioners who can generate new knowledge at the intersection of culture, art, and design. The program provides inclusive and equitable advanced education, equipping graduates with specialized research and critical thinking skills for high-level employment and lifelong learning.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FA 217 701	Research Methodology in Culture, Fine Arts, and Design	Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with advanced technical and research skills that are highly relevant for employment in academia, cultural institutions, and the creative industries.
FA 217 702	Seminar in Cultural Research, Fine Arts, and Design 1	Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by providing a platform for students to engage with, critique, and present cutting-edge research, fostering continuous professional development.
FA 217 899	Thesis	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by fostering the creative economy. It trains professionals who can create value from cultural assets, innovate in design, and manage cultural and artistic enterprises, thereby supporting decent work, entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FA 217 801	Creative Culture, Fine Arts, and Design	Promotes policies for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products (Target 8.9) by focusing on the creation of high-value creative works.
FA 217 802	Cultural, Fine Arts, and Design Management	Contributes to higher levels of economic productivity (Target 8.2) through specialization and innovation in the management of cultural and creative enterprises.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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Alignment Summary: The program works to reduce inequalities by fostering an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural identities. By studying cultural expressions within the ASEAN context, the curriculum promotes intercultural dialogue and respect, which is fundamental to ensuring equal opportunity and reducing discrimination.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FA 217 803	Cultural Identity in ASEAN	Directly aligns with Target 10.2 by empowering and promoting the social and cultural inclusion of all through the study and appreciation of diverse cultural identities within the ASEAN region.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: This program is centrally focused on strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The curriculum provides a deep theoretical and practical foundation in cultural research, art history, and creative design, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to identify, preserve, and promote tangible and intangible cultural assets for sustainable communities.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FA 217 703	Theories and Concepts of Culture, Fine Arts, and Design	Provides the theoretical framework essential for efforts to safeguard cultural heritage, directly supporting the core of Target 11.4.
FA 217 704	Aesthetics, Philosophy, and Art History	Contributes to the protection of cultural heritage by providing a deep understanding of the historical and philosophical context of art and culture (Target 11.4).
FA 217 801	Creative Culture, Fine Arts, and Design	Supports safeguarding cultural heritage by training professionals to create contemporary works that are informed by and give new life to traditional cultural expressions (Target 11.4).
FA 217 802	Cultural, Fine Arts, and Design Management	Directly contributes to Target 11.4 by providing the management skills necessary to sustainably operate cultural institutions and heritage sites.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The program promotes sustainable production patterns within the creative industries. By integrating principles of creative and sustainable design, the curriculum encourages the development of products and services that are culturally meaningful, economically viable, and environmentally responsible, contributing to the efficient use of resources.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FA 217 801	Creative Culture, Fine Arts, and Design	Promotes the efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by encouraging sustainable design practices and the use of local materials in the production of creative works.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum helps to build effective and accountable institutions by providing a strong foundation in the legal frameworks that protect cultural expression. The course on cultural rights and intellectual property law ensures that graduates understand and can advocate for the legal protection of artists, designers, and cultural communities, contributing to a just and equitable creative sector.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FA 217 804	Cultural Rights, Laws, and Intellectual Property	Directly supports the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by providing knowledge of the legal frameworks essential for protecting cultural rights and intellectual property.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships for sustainable development through its advanced research and seminar components. This research-intensive curriculum requires engagement with the national and international academic community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations necessary to address complex cultural and design challenges.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
FA 217 701	Research Methodology in Culture, Fine Arts, and Design	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by equipping researchers with the skills to contribute to the international body of knowledge in cultural studies.
FA 217 702	Seminar in Cultural Research, Fine Arts, and Design 1	Promotes multi-stakeholder partnerships (Target 17.16) by providing a platform for students to engage with diverse perspectives and share research, fostering a culture of collaboration.
FA 217 899	Thesis	Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.17) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared with the international academic community to solve cultural and social challenges.