Area, Ethnic, Cultural, and Group Studies > South Asian Studies

South Asian Studies

Cultures, religions, languages, and nations of South Asia have a rich history and present themselves as a dynamic and interesting topic of conversation because of their diversity and commonalities. The study of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bhutan is known as South Asian Studies, and it encompasses a wide range of subfields. We teach more languages than any other South Asian studies program in the United States and are the oldest and, probably, the most prestigious South Asia regional studies school in the United States, focusing on the history and culture of a region home to one-fifth of the world's population. The Asian studies concentration allows students to specialize in either East Asia, South Asia, or Southeast Asia. You can choose from a wide range of electives, including those in the Department of Asian Studies (where you can study the languages, works of literature, religions, and cultures of Asia) and those in other disciplines.