Course Overview

The South Asian Studies program at Columbia University offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the history, culture, politics, and languages of South Asia. Housed within the Department of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies, the program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills to engage with the region's complex social and political dynamics. Unique features include access to extensive library resources and a focus on both historical and contemporary issues through a variety of academic lenses.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program are prepared for diverse career paths in academia, international relations, non-governmental organizations, journalism, and cultural institutions. The interdisciplinary training also supports roles in policy analysis and development work focused on South Asia.

Key Faculty and Staff

The program features distinguished faculty with expertise in South Asian history, literature, and politics. Notable scholars include those specializing in colonial and postcolonial studies, religious traditions, and modern political movements in the region.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students benefit from Columbia's extensive South Asia Institute, which fosters research and public engagement through events, lectures, and collaborations. The university's library system holds one of the most comprehensive collections of South Asian materials in North America, providing unparalleled resources for research.