Contemporary Asian Studies & South Asian Studies

Dr. David Chu Program in Contemporary Asian Studies 

As a student in the Dr. David Chu Program in Contemporary Asian Studies (CAS) housed in the Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, you’ll learn from world-leading scholars of East, Southeast, and South Asia about the links between Asia’s diverse histories and cultures and the region’s evolving role in global affairs.  

Our emphasis on experiential learning allows you to engage with Asia through research, travel, and collaboration. You’ll develop the foundational knowledge, skills, and connections to launch your career and build a lasting community.  

Minor in South Asian Studies 

Closely connected to the CAS program, the minor in South Asian Studies (SAS) is housed in the Centre for South Asian Studies at the Munk School’s Asian Institute and shares many of the CAS program’s courses and experiential learning opportunities. As an SAS student, you’ll gain a basic foundation in the rich and varied histories and modernities of South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka) as well as the major debates and questions in the field of South Asian Studies, as you’re introduced to the dynamic landscapes—political, material, and mythic—that constitute South Asia today.    

Transform your understanding of the world and your place within it 

• The CAS program trains you to comprehend Asia’s roles in new global dynamics.
• You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the region and localities within it, while exploring the complex webs that connect local sites to contemporary global issues.
• Choose from a variety of courses that examine colonialism, modernity, youth cultures, cities, nationalism and revolution, research methodologies and more, through a pan-Asian, multidisciplinary lens.
• Design and carry out your own research in Asia.
• Our grads have gone on to careers in every field imaginable – the pan-Asian expertise and critical perspective you’ll gain have universal value.

Learn More: Program Requirements and Course Descriptions 

• Dr. David Chu Program in Contemporary Asian Studies (major and minor)
• South Asian Studies (minor)

THE ASIAN INSTITUTE ADVANTAGE 

As boutique programs situated in the Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, CAS and SAS offer students a host of unique resources: 

Experiential Learning 

• Travel to Asia for language study, courses, and research.
• Guided independent research and funding opportunities including the Richard Charles Lee Insights through Asia Challenge (ITAC) and Big Ideas: Exploring Global Taiwan.
• Take part in a hands-on research project with training and feedback through the Asian Pathways Research Lab.

Scholarships and Awards 

• A range of scholarships and awards to fund student travel and research, and recognize leadership and academic excellence
• Dr. David Chu Scholarships in Asia-Pacific Studies

Career Development 

• Gain the skills and knowledge for a career in a world that is no longer rooted in the West.
• Prepare for work in academic research, policy development and practice, global business and more.
• Get inspired about future career possibilities by attending the Global Careers through Asia Conference (view the January 2021 Program).
• Meet alumni and expand your personal and professional network through AIM, the Asian Institute Mentorship Program.

Student Groups 

• Join a community, gain friends and connections, and organize social and academic events through the Contemporary Asian Studies Student Union.
• Contribute or join the editorial board of our undergraduate student journal, Synergy: Journal of Contemporary Asian Studies.
• Gain experience in publishing and translation with the Taiwan Gazette.