Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Applied Linguistics is fundamentally designed to produce high-level researchers and leaders who can create new knowledge and innovations in language and communication. The curriculum's core mission to conduct interdisciplinary, internationally recognized research makes it a powerful contributor to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by advancing pedagogical practices and curriculum design. Through its deep focus on intercultural communication and sociolinguistics, the program directly addresses the need to foster inclusive societies, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Furthermore, by training experts in discourse analysis, the curriculum supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as language is a critical component of effective governance and legal systems. As an international program, it inherently promotes the global partnerships and cross-cultural understanding essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Best Practices
Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics (International Program) demonstrated leadership in advancing linguistic excellence for regional development through the research project "Language Policy and Intercultural Training for Sustainable Development Goals Communication in GMS (Greater Mekong Sub-region)." The project aims to analyze and propose language policies for intercultural communication within cross-border development initiatives in the Greater Mekong Subregion. This initiative integrates expertise from core courses, including HS147 901 Advanced Theories in Applied Linguistics and HS147 902 Seminar on Intercultural Communication and Discourse Analysis. Thai and international students collaboratively conducted field research across multiple countries to study language dynamics and communication barriers in environmental conservation and trade projects.
This work addresses conflicts and delays in development projects caused by linguistic and cultural misunderstandings. The tangible outcome is the creation of a "cross-cultural communication training curriculum guide" for cross-border project managers, which has been implemented in regional organizational training. As a result, sustainable impacts include enhanced communication effectiveness in international forums and reduced socio-economic conflicts in the subregion. This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in fostering global cooperation for development, SDG 4 (Quality Education) in providing inclusive and quality education on language and culture, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) in improving education and awareness of climate change through effective communication.
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program is the epitome of quality education, designed to cultivate expert researchers and educators who can lead and transform language education. The curriculum provides a deep theoretical and practical foundation in designing, implementing, and evaluating effective and inclusive language learning experiences, directly contributing to lifelong learning opportunities for all.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS458711 | Research Methodology in Applied Linguistics | Provides the core research skills that define high-quality doctoral education, equipping students for high-level employment and lifelong learning in research and academia (Target 4.3 and 4.4). |
| HS458731 | Second Language Acquisition | Enhances educational quality by providing a deep understanding of how second languages are learned, which is essential for developing effective teaching methods (Target 4.7). |
| HS458733 | Curriculum and Material Development in Language Teaching | Directly contributes to quality education by focusing on the design and development of effective language curricula and teaching materials (Target 4.7). |
| HS45899X | Dissertation | Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research to advance the field of applied linguistics, thereby acquiring superior skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4). |
SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesAlignment Summary: The program contributes to reducing inequalities by promoting intercultural understanding and effective communication. The curriculum equips graduates to analyze how language and culture intersect with social structures, enabling them to address communication barriers and promote the social inclusion of diverse linguistic and cultural groups.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS458721 | Sociolinguistics | Directly aligns with Target 10.2 by analyzing the relationship between language and society, which is crucial for empowering and promoting the social and cultural inclusion of all. |
| HS458722 | Discourse Analysis | Contributes to reducing inequalities by providing the tools to critically analyze how language is used to construct and maintain social hierarchies and power relations (Target 10.3). |
| HS458723 | Intercultural Communication | Directly supports Target 10.2 by fostering the skills and understanding needed to promote effective and equitable communication across different cultural groups. |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The program is instrumental in building strong institutions by training experts in discourse analysis. This skill is essential for ensuring that public information is clear, accessible, and transparent, and for analyzing the language used in legal and political contexts to promote justice and accountability.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS458722 | Discourse Analysis | Directly supports the development of effective, accountable and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by teaching the critical analysis of language in public, political, and legal discourse. |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: As an international program, this curriculum inherently builds partnerships for sustainable development. Its focus on intercultural communication and globally relevant linguistic research promotes the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations that are essential for achieving the SDGs.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| HS458723 | Intercultural Communication | This course is foundational to SDG 17, promoting effective communication and understanding between people from different cultural backgrounds, which is essential for global partnerships. |
| HS458991 | Seminar in Applied Linguistics 1 | Promotes the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to engage with and present on international research, fostering a culture of global knowledge-sharing. |
| HS45899X | Dissertation | Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical communication and educational challenges. |