Strategically located, and with a
multicultural heritage, the state of Hawai'i has always been uniquely
international in outlook. The people, traditions, and cultural milieu
of this island state in the Pacific provide a strong and continuing
bond with Asia.
The study of Asia has been an important component of academic programs at the University of Hawai'i since its inception in 1907. Today, the University of Hawai'i is a major institution with more than 45,000 students in a multi-campus system of post-secondary educational institutions. The main campus at Manoa, with more than 20,000 students, is the research center of the University. The student body embraces a wide spectrum of ethnic groups and a significant portion of the student population comes from other states. In addition, a large number of foreign students come from Asia and the Pacific.
Nearly 700 faculty members are engaged in international studies and, of these, close to 400 are currently involved in Asia-related teaching and research. Asia-related course offerings and interests are a part of nearly every department of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences at Manoa. Well over 100 of the full-time graduate faculty in these colleges are Asia specialists engaged in teaching more than 500 Asia-related courses. In addition to these courses, the professional schools (Public Health, Education, Business Administration, etc.) also offer a variety of Asia-related courses. Research and publications, specialized training and instructional programs, conferences, symposia, resource development, and a full schedule of extracurricular activities and cultural programs are all part of Asian Studies at Hawai'i.
The University's academic strengths in Asian studies are complemented by a local community deeply interested in the cultural heritage as well as the contemporary affairs of the region. Students electing to pursue Asian studies at the University of Hawai'i will discover a unique learning environment especially appropriate to the understanding and appreciation of Asian peoples and cultures.
Center for South Asian
Studies
University
of Hawai'i at Manoa
Moore Hall 416
1890 East-West Road
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96822
Telephone: (808) 956-5652
Fax:
(808) 956-6345
email: csas@hawaii.edu
Director:
S. Shankar
Coordinator: Christopher Handy