Implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through General Education

Chonnam National University's general education courses are required for all students to complete for graduation, regardless of their major. These courses provide a broad knowledge base and diverse perspectives, helping students develop the fundamental competencies and comprehensive thinking skills needed to become global citizens.

These general education courses are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering students a variety of educational approaches. For instance, courses like 'Environmental Science', 'Understanding the Earth', and 'Chemistry in Life' focus on environmental protection and sustainable energy use. Additionally, humanities courses like 'French Cultural Community in the World', 'Humans and Culture in the Global Era', and 'Human Evolution and Ancient Civilizations' emphasize the importance of a sustainable society, cultural diversity, and global citizenship awareness.

Chonnam National University's general education curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, such as science, humanities, social sciences, law, economics, and politics, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development, the importance of international cooperation, and personal responsibility. Notably, courses like 'Overseas Volunteering' and 'University and Social Service' provide students with opportunities to engage in community service and practice SDGs directly.

The main SDG-related courses are as follows:

Environmental and Natural Sciences:

• Courses like 'Environmental Science', 'Understanding the Earth', and 'Ecosystem Services and Climate Change' help raise awareness about environmental sustainability (SDG 13, SDG 15).
• 'Chemistry in Life' and 'Physics at 36.5 Degrees' contribute to sustainable consumption and energy efficiency (SDG 7, SDG 12).

Social and Global Awareness:

• Courses like 'Humans and Culture in the Global Era' and 'History of Eastern and Western Civilizations' provide perspectives on cultural diversity, fostering global citizenship and reducing inequalities (SDG 10, SDG 16).
• 'Global Citizenship in the Closet' emphasizes the value of social responsibility and global awareness (SDG 4, SDG 10).

Health and Well-being:

• Courses like 'Stress Management and Healthy Living' and 'Understanding Food and Nutrition' equip students with knowledge to promote physical and mental well-being (SDG 3).

Economic and Social Innovation:

• Courses such as 'Innovation and Entrepreneurship', 'Social Media Strategies for Startups', and 'Introduction to Creative Problem Solving' provide entrepreneurial skills and encourage innovation for sustainable economic growth (SDG 8, SDG 9).

Humanities and Ethical Thinking:

• Courses like 'Philosophy and Life', 'Ethical Reasoning and Community', and 'Human Evolution and Ancient Civilizations' explore ethical thinking, historical context, and critical thinking, promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).

These general education courses not only provide students with the knowledge needed in their professional fields but also the diverse competencies required as members of society. Through these courses, Chonnam National University supports students in building a broad knowledge base, raising awareness of global issues, including the SDGs, and developing the ability to communicate and collaborate with people from various social and cultural backgrounds.