Course Overview

The South and Southeast Asian Studies program at the University of California, Berkeley offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the cultures, histories, languages, and societies of South and Southeast Asia. The program aims to provide students with a deep knowledge of the region through coursework in history, anthropology, literature, religion, and political science. Unique features include a strong emphasis on language training in languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, Tamil, Thai, and Vietnamese, as well as opportunities for fieldwork and research in the region.

Career Prospects

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in international relations, education, non-governmental organizations, cultural preservation, and academia. The program equips students with critical thinking, cross-cultural communication skills, and regional expertise, making them valuable in globalized industries and policy roles.

Key Faculty and Staff

The program is supported by renowned faculty with expertise in South and Southeast Asian history, literature, and languages. Faculty members are often involved in cutting-edge research and have published extensively on topics related to the region.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students benefit from access to the university's extensive library collections on South and Southeast Asia, one of the largest in the United States. The program also has affiliations with research centers focused on Asian studies, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and access to specialized resources. Partnerships with institutions in South and Southeast Asia facilitate study abroad and research opportunities.