Charles Wei-hsun Fu
Center for Asian and Pacific Studies

San Diego, poised on the Pacific Rim

Asia is undeniably a major player in the world today—from global economics, politics, and environmentalism to pop culture, philosophy, and the fine arts
—representing diverse cultural resources that have endured thousands of years.

The SDSU campus is embedded in a vibrant community with diverse populations, reflected in our student body.

The Center for Asian and Pacific Studies (CAPS) is an interdisciplinary instructional unit of the College of Arts and Letters and an integral part of SDSU’s international studies curriculum. Our curriculum draws on diverse faculty from across the campus to offer innovative and informative classes in the Asian thought and culture encompassing art, communication, film studies,  environmental issues, history, literature, philosophy, political science, religious studies, women’s studies, as well as Asian-American experiences.Students are invited to immerse themselves  in new perspectives, values, strategies, and life experiences through key offerings in the Asia Pacific region, including such themes as the traditional roots of K-pop, anime, and contemporary arts; deep insights from Buddhism, Daosim, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Shinto; unexpected leadership model and entrepreneurial enterprises; social roles and relationships.

Download our brochure

 

New Semester, New Possibilities

welcome to fall 2025

Welcome to Fall 2025!

The Center for Asian and Pacific Studies (CAPS) welcomes all SDSU students to campus!! Asian+ Studies* students - come visit the CAPS office at Arts & Letters 473!

*Asian+ Studies includes Asian Studies majors and minors, as well as Chinese, Japanese, & Korean Studies, including students in the IS3D Major with an Asian+ Studies focus

fall 2025 events schedule

Fall 2025 Events Schedule

9/18 | 4PM: Meet & Greet in AL 473
9/25 | 4PM: Watch Party - Parasite in TBA
10/2 | 4PM: Mid-Autumn Festival in AL 473
10/18 | 2:30PM: Rondalla in AL 473
10/30 | 4PM: Scary Movie - Ziam in AL 473
11/06 | 4PM: Faculty Talk - Dr. Kirk Sandvig in AL 473
TBD | 4PM: SDAFF TBD
12/4 | 4PM: Ornament Crafting in AL 473
12/11 | 4PM: End of Semester Student Luncheon in AL 473

meet and greet

Meet & Greet

September 18, 2025 | 4:00 PM | Location: Arts & Letters 473

Asian+ Studies students and all SDSU Students curious about ASIA are welcome, come connect and explore with us!

Pizza will be provided!

*Asian+ Studies includes Asian Studies majors and minors, as well as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean studies minors, including students in the IS3D major with an Asian+ Studies focus.

Parasite

Parasite

September 25, 2025 | 4:00 PM | Location: TBA

RSVP

CAPS invites you to a watch party!
Come watch Parasite - the winner of Best Picture at the 2020 Oscars.

 

Commencement

At the end of the Spring 2025 semester, students and faculty came together to honor each other’s achievements and to wish the best of luck to those moving onto new endeavors.

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025! CAPS wishes you all the best as you continue to make change and inspire others beyond SDSU.

student and faculty at commencement

student and faculty at commencement

student at commencement

student and faculty at commencement

student and two faculty at commencement

student and two faculty at commencement

 

Take a class with us

Fall 2025 Courses

Asian Studies
  • ASIAN 100: State & Society Asia Pacific*
  • ASIAN 101: Asian Thought & Cultures*
  • ASIAN 429: Gender & Sexuality in Korea
  • ASIAN 430: Contemporary Korean Culture Through Media
  • ASIAN 454: Manga & Japanese History
  • ASIAN: 458 Asian Traditions

*Major Preparation Course

Electives From Other Departments
  • HIST 420: Asian History to 1600
  • HIST 425: The Vietnam War
  • HIST 566: Ancient Imperial China
  • PHIL 351: Chinese Philosophy
  • PHIL 353: Buddhist Philosophy
  • POL S 365: Chinese Politics (2 sections)
  • REL S 315: Yoga Theory & Practice
  • REL S 328: Islam
  • REL S 338: Buddhism
  • ART 564: Art of China
  • HONOR 313: Gender & Sexuality in Asia

See the class schedule for more information.