Interdisciplinary program for the study of Asia at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Many of these departments offer the Ph.D. with a focus on Asia.
At UH Manoa, Asian Studies covers a broad geographical arc including South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The approach to the study of these interrelated regions is interdisciplinary, taught by faculty trained in the geography, history, anthropology, political science, sociology, language and literature, ethnomusicology, performing arts, and urban and regional planning of Asia. In addition t
o the faculty in SPAS, there are approximately 286 faculty and staff who are Asia specialists in different departments and programs throughout the campus. 600 courses on Asia (or with substantive Asia content) are taught at UH Manoa, a unique strength the Asian Studies Program utilizes in crafting its BA and MA degrees. The Asian Studies Program offers an unprecedented opportunity for students to study a wide range of topics, disciplines, and methodologies to design their individual programs to suit their particular interests. This interdisciplinary approach to the study of Asia, focused on the social sciences and humanities, is the heart of the program's mission. Finally, competency in an Asian language commensurate with the student's focus and level is considered fundamental, and is a required part of the program. The following disciplines, fields, and programs serve ASP's interdisciplinary mission: American Studies, Anthropology, Art and Art History, Business, East Asian Languages and Literatures, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Ethnomusicology, Geography, History, Indo-Pacific Languages and Literatures, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, Sociology, Theater and Dance, Urban and Regional Planning, and Women's Studies. The Asian Studies Program offers a graduate certificate in Asian Studies to students taking degrees in other programs. The Asian Studies Program is also closely linked in terms of students, faculty, courses, fellowships, staff, and daily operations to all of SPAS' eight Centers, three of which are recognized as National Resource Centers: Southeast Asia, East Asia and Pacific Islands Studies. The possibilities are endless.
07/30/2026
Register now for Fall '26: ASAN 310 Studying Asia Culturally!
Explore various societies in Asia through their written & oral literature, cultural expressions, religious beliefs, & convergent histories. (3 crs; DH)
When: T & TR 12:00-1:15 pm
Where: STJN 11
Instructor: Dr. Stirr
07/29/2026
Register now for Fall '26: ASAN 308 Chinese Political Economy!
Explores the relationship b/w state & society in national policies, cultural tradition, & technological modernization in China. (3 credits; DS, WI)
When: M & W 1:30 - 2:45 pm
Where: MOORE 423
Instructor: Dr. Zhou
07/29/2026
Register now for Fall '26: ASAN 303 Bollywood Dance, Music, & Film!
Learn about Bollywood in the context of cross-cultural fusion & globalization, rooted in the richness of Indian culture. (3 credits; DA)
When: W & F 9:30 - 10:45 am
Where: DB Studio
Instructor: Dr. Bhatawadekar
07/27/2026
Register now for Fall '26: ASAN 259 East Asian Popular Cultures!
Analyzes the social forces shaping East Asian pop culture industries, artists, and productions from a global perspective. (3 credits; DS)
When: T & TR 10:30 - 11:45 am
Where: SAUND 244
Instructor: Dr. Chai
07/26/2026
Register now for Fall '26: ASAN 202 Introduction to Asian Studies: South & Southeast Asia!
Examines the interrelationships among policies, economies, literature, religion, arts, & history of South & Southeast Asia. (3 credits; DH)
When/Where: Online Async
Instructor: Dr. Bogart
07/25/2026
Register now for Fall '26: ASAN 150 Intro to Research & Writing in Asian Studies!
Provides a structured overview of the research & writing process from an interdisciplinary perspective, with a focus on Asia. (3 credits; FW)
Register now for Fall '26: ASAN 705 Asian Research Materials & Methods!
Learn how to use library resources for Asia-focused study, including how to utilize UHM's country-focused special libraries. (3 credits)
When: W 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Where: HAM 3G
Instructor: Prof. Ghosh
07/24/2026
Register now for Fall '26: ASAN 689 International Relations Asia!
Explore how international relations theories explain interstate relations in Asia & how international issues interact w/ domestic politics. (3 credits)
When: M 5:30 - 8:00pm
Where: Online Sync
Instructor: Dr. Luo
07/23/2026
Register now for Fall '26: ASAN 629 Asian Security Cultures!
Course simulates national security debates on contemporary Asia, drawing on history, recent scholarship, & current socio-political dynamics. (3 credits)
When: T 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Where: MOORE 120
Instructor: Dr. Famularo
07/21/2026
Register now for Fall '26: ASAN 627 Ethnic Nationalism in Asia!
Contemporary theories of ethnic & cultural nationalism in Asia. Includes issues of nation-state, power hierarchies, modernity, & identity. (3 credits)
When: TR 2:30-5:00 pm
Where: MOORE 228
Instructor: Dr. Clayton
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