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.
06/11/2026
Register now for Summer '26: ASAN 466 Transpacific Youth Pop Culture: From K-Pop to TikTok!
Gain better critical awareness of how transpacific pop-culture media represent the issues that are most relevant to young adults locally, nationally, and transnationally through the lens of comics, videos, music, and games. If you have ever wanted to present on and write about a particular anime, East Asian music group, video game, or webtoon, this is definitely the course to take! (3 credits; WI & DH)
When: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm every M, T, W, & Tr from July 6 - August 4, 2026
Where: Online Synchronous
Instructor: Jade Lum
06/11/2026
Register now for Summer '26: ASAN 406 Modern Philippines!
Survey of major developments from pre-colonial through colonial periods, through WWII, and the post-war republic. (3 credits; DH)
When: July 6 - August 14, 2026
Where: Online Asynchronous
Instructor: Dr. Maria Vina Lanzona
05/28/2026
Registration for Summer 2026 Session 1 ends TODAY! The Department of Asian Studies will be offering six classes across the two summer sessions.
Summer Session 1:
ASAN 310I: Asia Past and Present: South Asia
ASAN 326: Media, Advertising and Desire in East Asia
ASAN 464: K-Pop and J-Pop: Popular Music and Society
ASAN 465: Japan Cool: Anime, Manga, and Film
Summer Session 2:
ASAN 406: Modern Philippines
ASAN 466: Transpacific Asian Youth Culture
Registration for Summer 2026 Session 1 ends TOMORROW, May 27! The Department of Asian Studies will be offering six classes across the two summer sessions.
Summer Session 1:
ASAN 310I: Asia Past and Present: South Asia
ASAN 326: Media, Advertising and Desire in East Asia
ASAN 464: K-Pop and J-Pop: Popular Music and Society
ASAN 465: Japan Cool: Anime, Manga, and Film
Summer Session 2:
ASAN 406: Modern Philippines
ASAN 466: Transpacific Asian Youth Culture
Register now for Summer '26: ASAN 465 Japan Cool: Anime Manga & Film!
Learn about how anime & manga impact Japanese issues of gender, national identity, & race. (3 credits; DH & OC)
When: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm every M, T, Tr, & F from May 26 - July 23, 2026
Where: Online Synchronous
Instructor: Dr. Jayson Chun
05/23/2026
Register now for Summer '26: ASAN 326 Media, Advertising & Desire in East Asia!
Examine how concepts of beauty and desire shape East Asian cultures within historical and contemporary media. (3 credits; DH; WI)
When: May 26 - July 2, 2026
Where: Online Asynchronous
Instructor: Dr. Patrick Patterson
05/22/2026
Register now for Summer '26: ASAN 320I South Asia!
This multidisciplinary course focuses on the cultural, social, and political lives of people across South Asia, in light of the histories that have shaped their lifeworlds and the issues they are currently facing.
Dr. Stirr will be teaching this course from Nepal, so this course will incorporate firsthand looks at local culture, society, politics, and artistic practices, including chats with youth political leaders, anti-caste and feminist activists, indigenous leaders, academics, and artists, among others. This course will connect these local instances with issues across the South Asian region, such as youth-led political revolutions, indigenous activism, climate change, and more. (3 credits; DS)
When: May 26 - July 2, 2026
Where: Online Asynchronous
Instructor: Dr. Anna Stirr
Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Honolulu?
06/11/2026
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