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Khon Kaen University

Master of Arts Program in Applied Linguistics

SDG Alignment for Master of Arts Program in Applied Linguistics

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Arts Program in Applied Linguistics is fundamentally designed to foster deep understanding and effective communication across cultures, aligning powerfully with the Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum produces experts in language teaching, analysis, and policy, who can address critical challenges in education and social equity. The program makes a foundational contribution to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by training a new generation of language educators and researchers equipped with innovative pedagogical approaches. It is a strong driver for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by exploring the role of language in society and promoting inclusive communication practices. Through its focus on language policy and planning, the program supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). As an advanced international and research-based degree, the program is a pillar of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), embodying the collaborative spirit required to address global challenges through intercultural understanding.

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: This program is central to promoting quality education by advancing the science of language learning and teaching. The curriculum equips graduates with the knowledge to design effective language programs, develop innovative teaching materials, and conduct research that improves educational outcomes for language learners of all ages and backgrounds.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS147 101Principles of Applied LinguisticsDirectly supports quality education by providing a foundational understanding of language learning and teaching, which is essential for developing effective educational practices (Target 4.1).
HS147 102Research in Applied LinguisticsContributes to inclusive and equitable quality education by providing the skills to conduct research that can inform evidence-based language education policies and practices (Target 4.5).
HS147 201Second Language AcquisitionAligns with quality education by focusing on the processes of language learning, which is crucial for designing effective instructional strategies that meet the needs of diverse learners.
HS147 202Curriculum and Materials Development in Language TeachingPromotes quality education by teaching the principles of designing and developing effective language curricula and teaching materials (Target 4.1).
HS147 203Approaches to Language TeachingSupports Target 4.c by training qualified language teachers equipped with a variety of pedagogical approaches to enhance the quality of language education.

SDG 10 Icon SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Alignment Summary: The curriculum aims to reduce inequalities by training professionals to understand and address the social and cultural dimensions of language. By promoting multilingualism, intercultural communication, and language policies that are inclusive of minority languages, the program helps to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to participate fully in society.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS147 204Language, Culture and SocietyDirectly addresses Target 10.2 by providing the tools to understand and promote the social and cultural inclusion of all, ensuring that language policies and practices are equitable and culturally sensitive.

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

Alignment Summary: This program supports the development of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions by focusing on the role of language in policy and planning. It prepares graduates to contribute to the development of language policies that are just, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS147 210Language Policy and PlanningDevelops effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels by focusing on the formulation and implementation of language policies that are just and equitable (Target 16.6).

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The international and research-intensive nature of this program inherently fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminar courses and thesis work, students engage with the global scientific and educational communities, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations vital for addressing the complex challenges of language education and policy in a globalized world.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS147 891/892Seminar in Applied Linguistics I/IIEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having students from various countries present and discuss cutting-edge research, contributing to the international body of scientific knowledge (Target 17.6).
HS147 898 / 899ThesisRepresents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.17) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical challenges in applied linguistics and education.