1. The Degree name: Bachelor of Arts Program in International Affairs
2. Bachelor of Arts (International Affairs) B.A. (International Affairs)
3. Responsible Organization: Khon Kaen University International College (KKUIC)
4. Principle and Rationale/Philosophy and Objectives of Curriculum
The phenomena of globalization: the flow of capital, labor, goods and services across
countries, reflects not only economic growth and development but also has negative impact upon global society and human well-beings in various aspects, such as, new type of contagious disease, disasters incidence, international terrorism, domestic conflict, environmental degradation, women, children and human trafficking, gender inequality and economic gaps. These have become social issues in each country which cannot be independently solved. Therefore, the U.N has made the agreement framework with its member countries in order to collaborate in developing and solving common agenda of the region and the world. Thailand is one of 190 countries endorsing the Millennium Declaration in 2000 which is considered as the commitment of civil society to human evelopment. The declaration has brought about the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), consisting of development objectives which have clear and definite timeframe in order to evaluate the performance of government and international organizations in the world. One of the Declaration Goal is to promote partnerships in order to develop global society which includes trading market development, financial system, debt solutions in developing countries and technology gap minimization of developing and developed countries. So, in the next decade, multilateral agreements with various countries have evolved from economic cooperation in the aspect of finance, banking, trading and investment to sustainable human resources development with the emphasis on education, health, medical care, rural development, science and technology. Thailand has played a significant role as partner, cooperating and promoting international activities at the regional and international level. For instance, the role of Foreign Ministry and Thai Embassy in foreign countries which acts as national representatives in building relations, creating understanding, promoting the implementation of various projects including members cooperation between countries at different level., eg, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS), Indonesia Malaysia Technical Economic cooperation (BIMST-EC), Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Asian Regional forum (ARF), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), Ayeyawady- Chao Praya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), etc. Most governmental organizations and higher education institutes have their organizational structures and missions related to international affairs in order to expand the scope of work to an international level. In addition, the implementation of activities related to social development, health, natural resources and environment in Thailand has involved a number of overseas organizations and international agencies in providing assistance and services of consultancy, surveillance, monitoring, evaluation and audit. Amidst the circumstance of borderless and open global society, the international affairs activities have been consistently augmented. At present, a number of universities within the country have offered undergraduate degree curriculum in international relations which mainly stress on politics, government and diplomacy. The international affairs program at International College, Khon Kaen University places the emphasis not only on social and economic knowledge and issues, culture and ways of life, but also on other aspects of development especially on the Mekhong sub-region which is considered as the strength of KKU. International Affairs at International College produce graduates who can respond to the needs of government, private sectors, education institutes, international agencies, non-government organizations which are in demand of employees capable of foreign affairs and language skills.
The Bachelor of Arts program in International Affairs is intended to produce graduates who are well-rounded with understanding and knowledges of current global situation, the issues of international relations and common problems at international level related to political, social and economical development and who could apply the knowledge related to international affairs in their work at various organizations on the basis of understanding the cultural differences, way of life and society of each country and local communities for sustainable development, ethics, morality and accountability professional and society as a whole. The Bachelor of Arts Program in International Affairs aims to provide the graduates with the following desirable characteristics:
- Knowledge of the current global situation, international relations issues and common issues at international level related to economical, political and social development.
- Capable of applying knowledge in their work concerning international relations in various organizations on the basis of understanding the cultural differences, ways of life and society of each country for sustainable development.
- Be ethical, moral and accountable in professional roles and civil society as a whole The Bachelor of Arts Program in International Affairs, Khon Kaen University emphasizes on developing human resources in holistic knowledge related to political science, economics, sociology, and management which should build up understanding of the worldwide situation, common global issues and a sustainable development approach in order for them to work in various organizations that have proper role and function in carrying out activities with foreign countries at different levels and in possessing functional English and communication skills that could enable them to work in the environment related to foreign affairs. Moreover, with the advantage of the university location at the center of Mekong Sub-Region and its networking on activities with foreign countries, the students capacity can be enhanced through direct work experience concerning international affairs within and outside of the country. |
