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
Mid-Autumn Festival
Join CAPS in celebrating the Mid Autumn Festival! 🌕 We will be providing supplies for a fun and creative craft activity involving paper lanterns! 🏮
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 4 p.m.
Location: Storm Hall 204
The Mid-Autumn Festival--also known as the Moon Festival--is one of the most important
holidays in many Asian cultures. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month,
it marks the brightest full moon of the year and is a powerful symbol of unity, family,
and renewal.
Traditionally, it's a time for loved ones to gather, share mooncakes, light lanterns,
and express gratitude for the harvest and each other. Lanterns represent hope and
guidance, while mooncakes symbolize wholeness and togetherness.
Everyone is welcome!
Joint Security Area Watch Party
Join CAPS for a watch party!! 🎥🍿✨
Thursday, Sept. 24 | 5 p.m.
Location: Storm Hall 204
Joint Security Area (JSA) (2000) was directed by Park Chan-wook, who is also known for directing the films Old Boy (2003) and No Other Choice (2025). JSA follows an investigation after two North Korean soldiers are killed during a shooting at the North-South Korean border, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Fall 2026 Events
We have planned several exciting events for this semester and we hope to see you there! ✨
9/10 | 4 p.m. | CAPS Meet & Greet | in AL 473
9/24 | 4 p.m. | Mid-Autumn Festival | in SH 204
9/24 | 5 p.m. | Watch Party- Joint Security Area (JSA) | in SH 204
10/29 | 4 p.m. | Scary Movie – Wailing | in SH 204
TBA | TBA | San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) | Location TBD
12/3 I 4 p.m. | Ornament Crafting | in AL 473
12/3 | 4 p.m. | End-of-Semester Student Luncheon | at Eureka!
Take a class with us
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.
Spring 2027
Asian+ Studies*
- ASIAN 101 Asian Thought & Cultures
- ASIAN 110 Elementary Conversational Chinese
- ASIAN 321 Korean Civilization
- ASIAN 429 Gender and Sexuality in Korea
- ASIAN 450 Filipino Food, Rituals, and Traditions
- ASIAN 485 Asian Studies Internship W 4pm-6:40pm
- ASIAN 499 Special Study & Research or Thesis
*Asian+ Studies includes Asian Studies majors & minors, and Chinese, Japanese, & Korean Studies minors
Electives From Other Departments
- AAS 323 Korean American Experiences
- ART 565 Art of Japan
- DANCE 383 K-pop Dance (GE)
- HIST 421 Asian Hist Since 1600
- PHIL 565 Asian Philosophies
- REL S 341 Japanese Religions Through Anime
- REL S 338 Buddhism
Download our spring course flyer or see the class schedule for more information.