Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Master of Political Science Program in Politics and International Relations is holistically designed to produce graduates with advanced knowledge to analyze complex political phenomena and international relations. The program's core philosophy, which emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches to understanding political dynamics, makes it a powerful contributor to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Through a deep focus on public policy, human rights, and governance, the curriculum directly addresses the need for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. By examining issues of gender, development, and social movements, the program strongly supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Its focus on regional cooperation and global issues also aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). As a graduate-level program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Best Practices
The Master of Political Science Program in Politics and International Affairs (New Curriculum 2025) was strategically designed to address the nation's challenge of striving toward a "Progressive Society and Sustainable Value-Creating Economy" and aligns with the strategy to transform Khon Kaen University into a global research leader, specifically in producing intellectual personnel with expertise in good governance and resolving complex international issues amidst globalization and digital technology.
The program focuses on creating "Change Leaders" and "Strategic Policy Analysts" through an integrated learning process emphasizing analytical thinking, creative thinking, and resilience. This blends political science knowledge with intensive application of advanced technology in key subjects, such as IS 521 722 Artificial Intelligence and Politics, to strengthen Big Data management and analysis skills; IS 521 760 International Policy in the Era of Global Change, which analyzes the impact of climate change and geopolitical dynamics; and IS 521 761 Sustainable Development in International Relations, which emphasizes principles and strategies for driving United Nations goals (SDGs).
The core activities of the curriculum also include building academic partnerships with regional institutions, such as the Faculty of Law and Political Science, National University of Laos, to produce graduates who can link knowledge and create new knowledge through a thesis to ethically recommend approaches for political and international development or problem-solving.
The empirical result is the production of master's graduates qualified as diplomats, administrators, and academics who are ready to be the main mechanism for driving the public and private sectors to operate under good governance and international standards.
This generated a strategic impact in a broad scope by strengthening the nation's capacity to cope with change and risk within the new global context. This aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, in strengthening effective and transparent institutions and ensuring public participation in politics; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by emphasizing the integration of technology and innovation (AI and Big Data) with public administration and policy decision-making; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by promoting academic and research partnerships with regional institutions to jointly drive sustainable development goals in the GMS subregion, demonstrating Khon Kaen University's leadership in sustainability in producing personnel who create sustainable change at the national and international levels.
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: As a master's program, this curriculum represents a high level of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert analysts and researchers by providing advanced training in research methodologies and fostering the lifelong learning skills necessary to address complex political and social challenges.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IS486701 | Advanced Research Methodology | Provides the core research skills that define high-quality graduate education, equipping students for high-level employment in research and policy analysis (Target 4.3 and 4.4). |
| IS48689X | Thesis/Independent Study | These courses are capstone lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research or in-depth study, thereby acquiring superior technical and professional skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4). |
SDG 5: Gender EqualityAlignment Summary: The curriculum promotes gender equality by providing a deep understanding of the political and social dynamics of gender. This knowledge is crucial for developing and advocating for policies that eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls and ensure their full and effective participation in public life.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IS486705 | Politics of Gender and Social Development | Directly supports gender equality by providing the framework to analyze and combat discrimination, aligning with Target 5.1 to end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. |
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthAlignment Summary: The program contributes to sustainable economic growth by training leaders who can formulate effective public policies. By understanding political economy and development, graduates can contribute to policies that foster inclusive and sustainable economic development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IS486704 | Political Economy and Development | Contributes to achieving higher levels of economic productivity (Target 8.2) by analyzing the interplay between political systems and economic development. |
SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesAlignment Summary: The program addresses inequality by training professionals to analyze the root causes of social and political exclusion. The curriculum provides the tools to understand how political systems and social movements can address disparities and promote inclusion for all groups.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IS486705 | Politics of Gender and Social Development | Directly aligns with Target 10.2 by promoting the social and political inclusion of all, irrespective of gender. |
| IS486708 | Social Movements | Contributes to reducing inequalities by studying the mechanisms through which marginalized groups can advocate for their rights and promote social change (Target 10.2). |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: This program contributes to creating sustainable communities by focusing on local governance and development. Graduates are equipped to contribute to participatory and integrated policies for sustainable community development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IS486706 | Local Politics and Governance | Directly supports Target 11.3 by providing skills for inclusive and sustainable human settlement planning and management through an understanding of local governance. |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: This program is instrumental in building strong institutions. The entire curriculum is designed to strengthen governance by providing advanced education in political theory, public policy, and human rights. Graduates are equipped to ensure equal access to justice and to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IS486702 | Political Theories and Ideologies | Provides the foundational knowledge for building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels (Target 16.6). |
| IS486703 | Public Policy and Governance | Directly supports the development of effective, accountable and transparent institutions by teaching the principles of sound policy-making and governance (Target 16.6). |
| IS486707 | Human Rights in International Relations | Contributes to promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice by focusing on international human rights standards (Target 16.3). |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program's focus on international relations and regional cooperation inherently fosters partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminars and research, students engage with the global political and academic communities, promoting the knowledge-sharing and collaborations needed to achieve global goals for peace and development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| IS486707 | Human Rights in International Relations | This course is foundational to SDG 17, promoting an understanding of the international frameworks that govern global cooperation on human rights (Target 17.16). |
| IS486709 | Regional Cooperation in Southeast Asia | Enhances multi-stakeholder partnerships by examining models of regional governance and collaboration (Target 17.17). |