South Asian Studies
Minor
About this program
The Minor in South Asian Studies explores the history, politics, cultures, and religions of South Asia. You’ll study countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka while examining their global connections. The program builds skills in critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding. It complements majors in international relations, history, political science, and the arts, and prepares you for careers or graduate study involving global issues and diverse communities.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
South Asia refers to Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. These countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The Minor in South Asian Studies is multidisciplinary and designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the culture, history, economics and politics of South Asia and its diaspora. The region of South Asia is a crucial area of study given its linguistic, ethnic and religious diversity (its traditions draw from Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity and others), its experience of British colonial rule and independence, its recent economic expansion and technological influence globally, and the widespread migration of South Asians over the last century. The study of South Asia thus offers students opportunities to explore pressing questions concerning colonialism and nationalism, political conflict and government, economic liberalization, cultural diversity and its expression in literature, art, and popular culture and globalization.
The South Asian Studies minor is useful for students planning careers in education, social service, law, politics, government, business, media and art, both nationally and internationally. It also prepares students for graduate study in a number of academic fields.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the diversity and complexity of South Asian culture, politics, history, immigration, and other social formations.
- Articulate and critically evaluate main discourses and debates in the scholarship of South Asian studies through research and response papers, exams, and class presentations.
- Apply theory and methodology from a range of academic disciplines in the arts, humanities, and social sciences to communicate the causes of South Asian historical and current debates.