Overview
We emphasize a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to the study of South Asian texts and traditions, focusing on the cultural, intellectual, and social practices they inform. Our work engages with diverse disciplinary perspectives, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of South Asian cultures, histories, and thought.
Featured Project or Story
Yang Qu: Doctoral Fellowship + Young Scholar Award.
On October 3rd, the China Times Cultural Foundation announced the 10 recipients of this year’s Young Scholar Award on its website. Yang Qu won the top award “Ms. Yu Tsai Yuhui Special Award” and will receive a scholarship of USD 10,000 to support his dissertation research.
Yang, studying South Asian Studies with a secondary field in CompLit, also just received a Doctoral Fellowship over the summer for his research project, “Obsession with India: Literature, Spirituality, the Quest for Alternative Modernity in Early Twentieth Century China,” from The Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange (CCKF)
https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20241003002599-260405?chdtv
The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute
(The Mittal Institute) engages in interdisciplinary research to advance and deepen the understanding of critical issues in South Asia and its relationship with the world.
Related Programs
The South Asian Studies department is connected to a variety of related programs that enhance students’ understanding of the region through interdisciplinary approaches. Programs in history, political science, anthropology, religious studies, and literature frequently overlap with South Asian Studies, offering courses that examine the historical and contemporary dynamics of South Asia. Language programs in Hindi,-Urdu, Sanskrit, Tibetan, or Tamil provide linguistic skills that complement regional studies. Additionally, international relations and global studies programs often incorporate South Asia-focused courses to analyze the region’s geopolitical significance. Departments of film studies, gender studies, and environmental studies may also intersect with South Asian Studies by exploring topics such as South Asian cinema, gender and caste dynamics, or environmental challenges in the region. These interconnected programs allow students to develop a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of South Asia, preparing them for careers in academia, diplomacy, journalism, international development, and beyond.