Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Bachelor of Arts in Western Languages program is holistically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals by cultivating graduates with advanced communication skills, profound cross-cultural competencies, and critical thinking abilities, which are essential for effective global citizenship. The curriculum's philosophy, emphasizing linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding, provides a robust framework for navigating and contributing to a complex, interconnected world. The program is a powerful enabler of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as mastery of international languages is the primary tool for global diplomacy, business, and scientific collaboration. It directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by equipping graduates with high-demand skills for international careers. Furthermore, by fostering deep cultural understanding, the program is fundamental to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16).
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program is the essence of quality education, providing comprehensive training in major world languages. It equips students with the linguistic and analytical skills necessary for lifelong learning, global citizenship, and careers in education, translation, and international relations, thereby contributing to the promotion of sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS734811 | French Interpretation | Provides students with advanced technical and vocational skills that are highly relevant for employment in international communication and diplomacy (Target 4.4). |
| HS744401 | German-Thai Translation 1 | Enhances quality education by developing professional translation skills, a key competency for facilitating cross-cultural knowledge sharing (Target 4.4). |
| HS754401 | Spanish-Thai Translation 1 | Promotes lifelong learning skills by training students in the complex task of translation, which requires continuous learning and cultural adaptation (Target 4.3). |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The program is a direct driver of decent work and economic growth by preparing graduates with high-demand language skills for the globalized economy. Proficiency in French, German, and Spanish opens doors to careers in international business, tourism, logistics, and the creative industries, all of which are vital sectors for sustainable economic growth.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS733202 | French for Business Communication | Directly supports decent work and economic growth by equipping students with the specific language skills required for international trade and commerce (Target 8.2). |
| HS743204 | German for Hotel and Tourism Industry | Contributes to sustainable tourism, a key driver of economic growth and job creation, by providing essential communication skills for the hospitality sector (Target 8.9). |
| HS753202 | Spanish for Business Communication | Promotes productive employment by preparing students to work in international business environments where Spanish is a key language (Target 8.5). |
SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesAlignment Summary: This program works to reduce inequalities by dismantling language barriers and fostering deep cross-cultural understanding. By teaching the languages and cultures of diverse societies, it promotes empathy, mutual respect, and more inclusive and equitable interactions between peoples and nations.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS733303 | Introduction to French Pragmatics | Contributes to reducing inequalities by fostering an understanding of how language is used in different cultural contexts, which is essential for inclusive and respectful communication (Target 10.3). |
| HS743301 | German Discourse Analysis | Promotes social inclusion by analyzing how language constructs social realities, enabling students to critically assess and challenge discourse that perpetuates inequality (Target 10.2). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The program contributes to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies by developing the skills for intercultural dialogue and understanding. The study of language and literature provides insights into different worldviews, fostering the empathy and communication skills necessary for conflict resolution and building peaceful global institutions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS733601 | French Literary Studies | Promotes peaceful and inclusive societies by providing insights into the values, history, and social issues of French-speaking cultures, fostering mutual understanding (Target 16.7). |
| HS743601 | German Literary Studies | Contributes to a culture of peace by analyzing literary works that explore complex social and historical themes, enhancing students' capacity for empathy and critical reflection. |
| HS753601 | Spanish Literary Studies | Fosters inclusive societies by exposing students to diverse voices and perspectives from the Spanish-speaking world, promoting a greater appreciation for cultural diversity. |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: This program is a key enabler of partnerships for the goals. Advanced proficiency in major world languages is the foundational tool for effective international collaboration in diplomacy, science, business, and development. This curriculum provides the essential linguistic and cultural competencies needed to strengthen the global partnership for sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS734805 | French for International Business | Directly supports the global partnership for sustainable development by providing the language skills necessary for international trade and investment (Target 17.17). |
| HS114785 | Cooperative Education | Encourages and promotes effective partnerships by immersing students in professional environments where they can apply their language skills to real-world collaborative projects (Target 17.17). |