Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Bachelor of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies program is holistically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals by cultivating graduates with a deep and nuanced understanding of the region's complex social, cultural, political, and economic landscapes. The curriculum's philosophy, emphasizing interdisciplinary analysis, cross-cultural competency, and critical thinking, provides a robust framework for addressing the unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in Southeast Asia. The program is a powerful engine for promoting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering the regional understanding that is a prerequisite for peace and cooperation. It directly confronts issues of inequality (SDG 10) by examining the diverse ethnic, religious, and social groups in the region. Furthermore, the curriculum's focus on cultural heritage and tourism contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). As an area studies program, it is a flagship of SDG 4 (Quality Education), preparing students for careers that require a sophisticated understanding of one of the world's most dynamic regions.
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program provides a high-quality, specialized education that equips students with the knowledge and skills for sustainable development and global citizenship, with a specific focus on the Southeast Asian region. It fosters critical thinking, research skills, and an appreciation for cultural diversity, all of which are essential for lifelong learning.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS812301 | Research Methods in Humanities and Social Sciences | Enhances education for sustainable development by equipping students with the skills to conduct research on the region's social, cultural, and political issues (Target 4.7). |
| HS814701 | Seminar in Southeast Asian Studies | Provides quality education by requiring students to critically analyze and present on advanced topics, fostering the analytical skills needed for employment (Target 4.4). |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to economic growth by producing graduates with a deep understanding of the Southeast Asian economy. This knowledge is valuable for careers in international business, trade, and sustainable tourism, which are key sectors for economic growth and job creation in the region.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS813204 | Economy of Southeast Asia | Directly supports sustained and inclusive economic growth by analyzing the economic structures and development policies of the region (Target 8.1). |
| HS813306 | Cultural Tourism in Southeast Asia | Contributes to sustainable tourism policies that create jobs and promote local culture and products, a key aspect of decent work and economic growth (Target 8.9). |
SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesAlignment Summary: This program is fundamentally about understanding the diversity and inequalities within and between the nations of Southeast Asia. It is dedicated to the critical examination of ethnic, religious, and social differences, providing the knowledge base to promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS813106 | Ethnic Groups in Southeast Asia | Directly addresses the goal of reducing inequality by empowering and promoting the social inclusion of all, irrespective of ethnicity or origin (Target 10.2). |
| HS813105 | Religions in Southeast Asia | Contributes to reducing inequality by fostering an understanding of religious diversity and promoting interfaith dialogue, which is essential for inclusive and peaceful societies (Target 10.3). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: The program is essential for making communities in Southeast Asia more sustainable by focusing on the protection and promotion of the region's rich cultural heritage. It provides the tools to develop cultural tourism and heritage management plans that can strengthen community identity and support local economies.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS813305 | Cultural Heritage in Southeast Asia | Directly contributes to safeguarding and strengthening efforts to protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage (Target 11.4). |
| HS813306 | Cultural Tourism in Southeast Asia | Supports inclusive and sustainable urbanization by promoting tourism that values and preserves local culture, making communities more vibrant and resilient (Target 11.4). |
SDG 13: Climate ActionAlignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to climate action by providing an understanding of the geographical and environmental context of Southeast Asia. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the region's vulnerability to climate change and for developing culturally appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS812101 | Geography of Southeast Asia | Improves education and awareness-raising on climate change impact and adaptation by providing a deep understanding of the region's physical environment and its vulnerability to climate-related hazards (Target 13.3). |
SDG 15: Life On LandAlignment Summary: The program supports the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems by providing knowledge of the region's geography and the relationship between societies and their environments. This understanding is essential for promoting the sustainable use of land and natural resources.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS812101 | Geography of Southeast Asia | Promotes the integration of ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning by providing an understanding of the region's diverse terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.9). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: This program is essential for building peace and strong institutions in the region. It provides a deep, critical understanding of the political systems, governance structures, and historical conflicts of Southeast Asia, equipping graduates to contribute to more effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS813203 | Politics and Governance in Southeast Asia | Contributes to developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels by analyzing the political structures and governance challenges of the region (Target 16.6). |
| HS812102 | History of Southeast Asia | Promotes peaceful and inclusive societies by providing a historical perspective on conflicts and cooperation, which is essential for understanding contemporary challenges to peace (Target 16.1). |
| HS813205 | International Relations of Southeast Asia | Supports strong institutions by examining the regional bodies and diplomatic frameworks, like ASEAN, that promote peace and cooperation (Target 16.8). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program is a direct enabler of partnerships for the goals, particularly within the Southeast Asian region. The study of ASEAN and other regional cooperation mechanisms is central to the curriculum, fostering the knowledge and cross-cultural understanding needed to strengthen the regional partnership for sustainable development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS813205 | International Relations of Southeast Asia | Directly enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by focusing on regional cooperation and the institutions that facilitate it, such as ASEAN (Target 17.16). |
| HS814885 | Cooperative Education | Encourages and promotes effective partnerships by immersing students in organizations working on Southeast Asian issues, building practical collaborative experience (Target 17.17). |