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Khon Kaen University

Doctor of Philosophy Program in Applied Linguistics (International Program)

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Applied Linguistics

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).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment 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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS458711Research Methodology in Applied LinguisticsProvides 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).
HS458731Second Language AcquisitionEnhances educational quality by providing a deep understanding of how second languages are learned, which is essential for developing effective teaching methods (Target 4.7).
HS458733Curriculum and Material Development in Language TeachingDirectly contributes to quality education by focusing on the design and development of effective language curricula and teaching materials (Target 4.7).
HS45899XDissertationRepresents 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 Icon SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Alignment 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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS458721SociolinguisticsDirectly 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.
HS458722Discourse AnalysisContributes 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).
HS458723Intercultural CommunicationDirectly supports Target 10.2 by fostering the skills and understanding needed to promote effective and equitable communication across different cultural groups.

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

Alignment 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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS458722Discourse AnalysisDirectly 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 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment 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 CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS458723Intercultural CommunicationThis course is foundational to SDG 17, promoting effective communication and understanding between people from different cultural backgrounds, which is essential for global partnerships.
HS458991Seminar in Applied Linguistics 1Promotes 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.
HS45899XDissertationRepresents 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.