Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Master of Arts Program in Thai is intrinsically designed to foster sustainable development by producing graduates with a profound understanding of Thai language, literature, and folklore, coupled with strong ethical principles and research capabilities. The program's philosophy emphasizes the creation of new knowledge that is not only academically rigorous but also beneficial to society. This focus directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is a powerful engine for SDG 4 (Quality Education) by producing highly skilled researchers, academics, and professionals who can advance and disseminate knowledge. Through its in-depth study of language, literature, and folklore, the program plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, directly aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By analyzing issues of language, power, and identity, it addresses the core tenets of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Furthermore, the program's emphasis on research, seminars, and international academic exchange inherently supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), fostering a collaborative approach to solving complex societal challenges.
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program is a cornerstone of quality education, designed to cultivate experts and researchers with a deep and critical understanding of Thai language and literature. It provides inclusive and equitable advanced education, equipping graduates with the specialized research and analytical skills necessary for high-level academic and professional careers, while fostering a commitment to lifelong learning.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 201701 | Research Methodology for Thai Studies | Directly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with advanced technical and research skills that are highly relevant for employment in academia and other professional sectors. |
| 201891 | Seminar in Thai Language and Literature 1 | Promotes lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by requiring students to engage with, critically analyze, and present cutting-edge research, fostering a culture of continuous scholarly inquiry. |
| 201892 | Seminar in Thai Language and Literature 2 | Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) and develops superior technical and analytical skills (Target 4.4) through sustained engagement with advanced research topics. |
| 201897 | Independent Study | Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), enabling students to conduct in-depth research, thereby acquiring specialized skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4). |
| 201898 | Thesis | Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, create new knowledge, and develop advanced skills for academic and professional careers (Target 4.4). |
SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesAlignment Summary: The curriculum addresses the reduction of inequalities by critically examining the role of language and literature in shaping social structures and power dynamics. Courses provide a framework for analyzing how language can both create and challenge social hierarchies, empowering graduates to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 201715 | Language and Power | Directly addresses the need to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all (Target 10.2) by analyzing how language is used to maintain or challenge power structures and inequalities. |
| 201721 | Selected Topics in Thai Literature | Can be tailored to study literature from marginalized voices and underrepresented groups, thereby promoting social inclusion and reducing inequalities (Target 10.2). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: The program contributes to making communities inclusive and sustainable by focusing on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. Through the study of folklore, regional literature, and mural paintings, the curriculum strengthens efforts to protect and safeguard invaluable cultural assets, which are essential for community identity and well-being.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 201725 | Folklore | Directly supports efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage by studying and preserving intangible cultural traditions like folklore (Target 11.4). |
| 201726 | Regional Literature | Contributes to the safeguarding of cultural heritage by focusing on literary works from specific regions, which helps to preserve local identities and narratives (Target 11.4). |
| 201732 | Literature in Mural Painting | Aligns with the protection of cultural heritage by analyzing the narratives and artistic traditions preserved in mural paintings, a key component of tangible cultural assets (Target 11.4). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The program supports the development of just and inclusive institutions by critically analyzing the relationship between language, power, and governance. Graduates are equipped with a nuanced understanding of how language shapes public discourse and policy, enabling them to contribute to more transparent and accountable institutions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 201715 | Language and Power | Contributes to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions by examining how language is used in political and social discourse, which is crucial for responsive and participatory decision-making (Target 16.7). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program fosters partnerships for sustainable development through its intrinsic focus on advanced research and knowledge sharing. The seminar and thesis components require engagement with the national and international academic community, promoting the collaborative spirit and knowledge exchange that are essential for achieving all SDGs.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 201891 | Seminar in Thai Language and Literature 1 | Promotes partnerships (Target 17.16) by requiring students to engage with and present on the latest global research in their field, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. |
| 201892 | Seminar in Thai Language and Literature 2 | Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having candidates present and discuss cutting-edge research, contributing to the international body of knowledge (Target 17.6). |
| 201898 | Thesis | Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.17) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared with the international academic community to help solve critical societal challenges. |