Asian Studies Major, B.A.–South Asian Studies Concentration

专业介绍

South Asia refers to a geographic region comprising the nations of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. With strong cultural ties to the region, Iran, Myanmar, and Tibet are also sometimes considered part of South Asia. Some 5,000 years ago, the highly developed Indus Valley Civilization developed along the Indus River system in present-day Pakistan and northwest India. Over the course of its history, South Asia has been divided into various polities, but in the premodern period experienced significant political consolidation under the Mauryas, the Guptas, the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals, and the Marathas.

Across South Asia there is vast cultural diversity, with its many regional languages and scripts, distinctive and beautiful styles of vernacular literature/poetry, arts, architecture, performance/theatre, music, and dance. South Asia is the birthplace of several world religions, namely Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Islam is another world religion found in South Asia, and Sufism, in particular, has flourished there. Pakistan, Indian, and Bangladesh together are home to about 30 percent of the world’s Muslim population.

Courses in this concentration span various time periods and cultural forms, although many are situated in the modern period and emphasize literature, film, and/or performance. A degree in Asian Studies with a South Asian Studies concentration will provide students with cultural and language competencies that will serve them well in a globalizing world. Many students usefully combine the degree with another major and/or minor, making them more attractive on the job market, and positioning them well for further study in professional or graduate school.