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 Charles Wei-Hsun Fu Center for Asian and Pacific Studies (CAPS) is an interdisciplinary instructional unit of the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) and an integral part of the international studies curriculum at San Diego State University (SDSU). The Center promotes the study of the Asia Pacific region that is broadly defined to include East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. Our curriculum draws on diverse faculty from a variety of disciplines across the campus such as history, philosophy, anthropology, study of religion, sociology, political science, arts and design, films, and dance, who offer innovative and informative classes in various topics on Asian histories, thoughts, cultures, and societies. Students are invited to immerse themselves in new perspectives, values, strategies, and life experiences through key offerings on the Asia Pacific region, ranging from Asian philosophies and religions to contemporary popular cultures of anime and K-pop.
Upcoming Events
"Finding My Way in AI: Identity, Purpose and Perspective from Southeast Asia"
Monday, April 20 at 3 p.m. in APIDA Center
Join CAPS for a special talk by Dr. Supheakmungkol Sarin of AI Safety Asia.
Dr. Sarin's talk will focus on his experiences in the field of AI in Asia, centering upon his dedication to making AI more inclusive, accountable, and grounded in real community needs.
Dr. Sarin is a technology and policy leader working on AI governance, equity, and social impact. He has advised international institutions and governments on responsible AI.
Supported by the CAPS Mahatma Gandhi Fund and the APIDA Center.
AI in China and Southeast Asia
Tuesday, April 21
CAPS will host three talks centered around AI.
"Credible Bias: How Automation Makes Government More Believable"
9:30 a.m. in AL 102
Guoer Liu, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of California San
Diego
"AI with Chinese Characteristics"
12:30 p.m. in AL 660 Finch Conference Room or Zoom (register for the link)
Eddie Yang, an Assistant Professor of Political Science and faculty member in the Institute
for Physical Artificial Intelligence at Purdue University
"Where AI Becomes Real: Southeast Asia and the Future of AI Governance"
3 p.m. in AL 660 or Zoom (register for link)
Supheakmungkol Sarin, a technology and policy leader
Co-sponsored by the Sociology Department, the Political Science Department, and the College of Arts and Letters HŪMTECH.
Spring 2026 Events
2/5 @4PM CAPS Meet & Greet (AL 473)
2/17 @12PM APIDA Lunar New Year Celebration (Student Union)
2/19 @4PM CAPS Lunar New Year Craft Event (AL 473)
3/5 @4PM CAPS Panagbenga Craft Event (AL 473)
3/18 @5PM Invisible Nation Screening (Main Stage Theatre)
4/11 SDSU Explore (Student Union Walkway)
4/20 and 4/21 AI in China and Southeast Asia
5/7 @4PM CAPS End of Semester Celebration (TBD)
Take a class with us
Courses
Spring 2026
Asian+ Studies
- ASIAN 101: Asian Thought & Cultures*
- ASIAN 321: Korean Civilization
- ASIAN 499: Special Study & Research or Thesis
*Asian+ Studies includes Asian Studies majors & minors, and Chinese, Japanese, & Korean Studies minors
Electives From Other Departments
- ART 565: Art of Japan
- AAS 323: +Korean American Experiences
- DANCE 383: Kpop Dance
- HIST 566: Ancient and Imperial China
- PHIL 353: Buddhist Philosophy
- PHIL 565: Asian Philosophies
- POL S 362: Governments and Politics of East Asia
- POL S 575: International Relations of the Pacific Rim
- REL S 338: Buddhism
- REL S 341: Japanese Religions Through Anime
+Only for Korean Studies minor
Download our spring course flyer or see the class schedule for more information.
Fall 2026
Asian+ Studies
- ASIAN 100 State & Society in the Asia Pacific*
- ASIAN 101 Asian Thought & Cultures*
- ASIAN 430 Korean Culture Through Media
- ASIAN 454 Manga & Japanese History
- ASIAN 458 Asian Traditions
- ASIAN 315 Yoga: Theory & Practice (2 sections)
- ASIAN 328 Islam
*Asian+ Studies includes Asian Studies majors & minors, and Chinese, Japanese, & Korean Studies minors
Electives From Other Departments
- ART 564 Art of China
- HIST 425 Vietnam War
- HIST 567 China in Revolution
- HONOR 313 Gender and Sexuality in Asia, Past, & Present
- PHIL 353 Buddhist Philosophy
- REL S 338 Buddhism
Download our fall course flyer or see the class schedule for more information.