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.
New Minors Approved
Korean Studies Minor
The minor in Korean Studies is an engaging, interdisciplinary program that requires a minimum of 15 units, including 9 units of core courses and a minimum of 6 units of electives. This minor encourages students to explore and deepen their interest in and knowledge of Korea from various perspectives.
Learn more by visiting our programs page.
Asian American Studies Minor
The minor in Asian American Studies is a comprehensive program, consisting of 15 units in total. This includes 3 units from lower-division courses and 12 units from upper-division courses. The coursework provides students with a deep understanding of the histories, politics, arts, and cultures of Asian Americans in the United States, ensuring they are well-informed in this field.
Learn more by visiting the SDSU catalog.
Take a class with us
Spring 2025 Courses
Asian Studies
- ASIAN 101: Asian Thought and Cultures
- ASIAN 320: Asian Environmental Issues
- ASIAN 321: Korean Civilization
- ASIAN 421: Asian History since 1600
- ASIAN 480: Asian Leadership Models
- ASIAN 499+: Special Study & Research or Thesis
Electives From Other Departments
- ART 565: Art of Japan
- ARAB 330: Arabic Culture
- HIST 567: Arab-Israeli Relations, Past & Present
- HIST 570: Modern Japan: From Samurai to Sony
- REL S 338: Buddhism
- REL S 341: Japanese Religions Through Anime
Asian American Studies
- AAS 100: Asian American History
- AAS 101: Politics, Power, and Asian America
- AAS 122: War, Empire, and the Asian American Experience
- AAS 150: Writing Composition and Rhetoric
- AAS 263: Asian American Film and Media
- AAS 268: Asian Americans and Mental Health
- AAS 323: Korean American Experiences
- AAS 420: Storytelling Techniques in Asian America
- AAS 460: Contemporary Issues in Filipino-American Communities
Fall 2024 Courses
Asian Studies
- ASIAN 100: State and Society in the Asia Pacific
- ASIAN 101: Asian Thought and Cultures
- ASIAN 430: Contemporary Korean Culture Through Media
- ASIAN 458: Asian Traditions
Electives From Other Departments
- HIST 420: Asian History to 1600
- HIST 425: The Vietnam War
- HIST 454: Manga & Japanese History
- JAPAN 332: Narratives of Japanese Pop Culture
- PHIL 353: Buddhist Philosophy
- POL S 362: Gov & Politics of East Asia
- REL S 338: Buddhism
Asian American Studies
- AAS 100: Asian American History
- AAS 101: Politics, Power, and Asian America
- AAS 103: Introduction to Filipino American Studies
- AAS 150: Writing Composition and Rhetoric
- AAS 261: Eating Asian America
See the class schedule for more information.