Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Bachelor of Communication Arts (International Program) at Khon Kaen University is strategically designed to cultivate professionals who are not only adept in the global media landscape but are also deeply committed to ethical and sustainable practices. The program's philosophy, centered on producing creative, work-ready graduates who can respond to societal development, aligns powerfully with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The curriculum is a strong proponent of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), particularly through its Creative Media Technology major, which fosters skills in digital innovation essential for the creative economy. Core courses on ethics, strategic communication, and critical thinking directly support SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting public access to information and media accountability. Furthermore, the program's emphasis on cultural diversity and global media prepares students to navigate and bridge cultural divides, contributing to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). As a comprehensive higher education program that integrates professional experience through internships and cooperative education, it is a clear embodiment of SDG 4 (Quality Education), equipping graduates with the 21st-century skills needed to foster a more sustainable and informed global society.
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program provides high-quality tertiary education focused on developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the communication industry. Through research-based learning and mandatory professional experience, it ensures graduates possess the technical and vocational skills needed for employment and lifelong learning.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 223 002 | Research Methods for Communications Arts | Equips students with advanced research and analytical skills, preparing them for relevant employment and further academic pursuits (Target 4.4). |
| IC 224 796 / IC 234 796 | Internship in Creative Media Technology / International Journalism | Provides essential practical and professional skills through work placements, facilitating the transition from education to employment and promoting lifelong learning (Target 4.3 & 4.4). |
| IC 011 014 | Citizenship and Democratic Society | Fosters the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development through education on democracy, human rights, and global citizenship (Target 4.7). |
SDG 5: Gender EqualityAlignment Summary: The program addresses gender equality through the critical analysis of media representation and contemporary social issues. Students are encouraged to explore how media can challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality, preparing them to be responsible communicators who can advocate for the empowerment of all genders.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 222 008 | Contemporary Issues in Communications Arts | Provides a platform to discuss and analyze gender representation in media, contributing to awareness and the promotion of gender equality (Target 5.5). |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The curriculum fosters skills for the creative economy, a significant driver of economic growth. By training students in creative media technology, journalism, and entrepreneurship, the program supports the creation of decent jobs and promotes sustained and inclusive economic development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 011 019 | Creative Entrepreneurship | Promotes entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, which are essential for job creation and supporting development-oriented policies (Target 8.3). |
| IC 224 785 / IC 234 785 | Cooperative Education in Creative Media Technology / International Journalism | Provides students with mandatory, full-time work experience, contributing to achieving full and productive employment for graduates (Target 8.6). |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: The Creative Media Technology major is fundamentally about driving innovation in the media industry. The program equips students with cutting-edge technological skills to develop new media forms and applications, thereby upgrading the technological capabilities of the creative industries and fostering innovation.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 222 002 | Technology in Communication | Enhances technological capabilities by providing a deep understanding of the design, creation, and impact of communication technologies (Target 9.5). |
| IC 223 001 | Web Design | Provides practical skills in building digital infrastructure, which is essential for a modern and innovative industrial sector (Target 9.C). |
| IC 223 003 | Motion Graphics and Animation | Fosters innovation in creative industries by teaching advanced techniques in digital media production, supporting sustainable industrialization (Target 9.2). |
SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesAlignment Summary: Through courses on cultural diversity, global media, and ethics, the program promotes an understanding of the root causes of inequality. It prepares students to create inclusive media content that respects diversity and gives a voice to marginalized communities, thereby contributing to the reduction of inequalities.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 011 011 | Cultural Diversity | Fosters respect for cultural diversity and promotes the social and cultural inclusion of all, which is fundamental to reducing inequalities (Target 10.2). |
| IC 223 012 | Global Media Studies | Analyzes how global media influences social and political environments, providing a basis for promoting policies for greater inclusion (Target 10.3). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: The program contributes to safeguarding cultural heritage through the power of media. Students learn to document and communicate the value of local cultures and traditions, which helps in the efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage for inclusive and sustainable communities.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 011 013 | Local Wisdom and Communities | Directly supports the safeguarding of cultural heritage by educating students on the value of local wisdom and traditions (Target 11.4). |
| IC 223 007 | Documentary Film and Video | Provides students with the skills to create documentaries that can record, preserve, and promote local cultural heritage. This aligns with the 'Support of arts and heritage' metric. |
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionAlignment Summary: The curriculum promotes responsible production within the media industry by emphasizing ethics and strategic communication. Students learn about corporate social responsibility and are encouraged to develop communication campaigns that promote sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 222 007 | Ethics in Communications Arts | Provides a strong ethical framework for students, encouraging them to adopt sustainable and responsible practices in their future careers in media production (Target 12.6). |
| IC 223 005 | Strategic Communications | Teaches students how to develop communication campaigns that can be used to raise public awareness on sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature (Target 12.8). |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The International Journalism major is fundamentally dedicated to the principles of SDG 16. By training journalists in ethical reporting, investigation, and media law, the program helps to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, which are the bedrock of peaceful, just, and accountable institutions.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 222 007 | Ethics in Communications | Fosters the development of accountable and transparent institutions by instilling strong ethical principles in future media professionals (Target 16.6). |
| IC 233 003 | Investigative Journalism | Directly supports the goal of ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms through in-depth reporting (Target 16.10). |
| IC 232 001 | Mass Communications | Educates on the role of media in society, which is crucial for building effective and accountable institutions at all levels (Target 16.6). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program's international curriculum and focus on global media and communication inherently foster a partnership-oriented mindset. Students learn to analyze and engage with global issues, preparing them to build the cross-cultural and multi-stakeholder collaborations necessary to achieve the SDGs.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IC 011 010 | Globalization Studies | Provides a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected global system, which is essential for enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.16). |
| IC 223 012 | Global Media Studies | Encourages multi-stakeholder partnerships by analyzing how global media platforms can mobilize and share knowledge for sustainable development (Target 17.17). |