Social SciencesStable Study ProspectsBachelor

South Asian Studies

Also known as: South Asian Area Studies, Regional Studies (South Asia)

A program that focuses on the history, society, politics, culture, and economics of one or more of the peoples of South Asia, defined as including Afghanistan, India, the Maldives, Myanmar (Burma), Pakistan, and Sri Lanka and related borderlands and island groups; and including the study of migratio
South Asian AffairsInternational RelationsCultural StudiesInternational DevelopmentPolicy AnalysisResearchNon-profit ManagementSocial Sciences

A Week as a Student

Your "Introduction to South Asian History" lecture begins with a deep dive into the Indus Valley Civilization. Professor Gupta challenges you to think critically about primary sources, projecting ancient seals on screen. Later, in "Hindi I," you grapple with consonant clusters, your tongue twisting to form sounds like 'dh' and 'bh'. You realize you completely missed a key nuance in a previous reading on early Vedic texts; it means an extra hour tonight re-reading Chapter 2. After classes, you grab lunch, reviewing notes and feeling the vastness of the history ahead.

High School Preparation

Required Subjects

World HistoryEnglish LiteratureSocial StudiesForeign Language

Recommended GPA

3.0-3.5

Advanced Courses (AP/IB/Honors)

  • AP World History
  • AP Human Geography
  • IB History
  • IB Global Politics

Core Subjects

Click on "i" to learn more about each subject

Career Prospects

Stable Study Prospects
Graduates can pursue roles in international development, government agencies, foreign service, journalism, and cultural exchange programs. Opportunities also exist in academia, think tanks, and multinational corporations seeking regional expertise.

Impact of AI on this Study

AI tools assist in analyzing vast historical texts, translating regional languages, and mapping demographic changes in South Asia, enhancing research capabilities. While AI can process data, deep cultural understanding remains crucial for contextualizing information.

Duration

4 years

Offered At

Columbia University in the City of New YorkUniversity of PennsylvaniaWellesley CollegeUniversity of Washington-Seattle CampusUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

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