Program Overview

Introduction to South Asian Studies

The South Asian Studies Programme (SASP) is a unique program that offers students the opportunity to explore the rich history and vibrant diaspora of South Asia. Launched in 1999, the program provides a deep dive into the cultural, historical, and sociological aspects of the region.

Curriculum

The program offers several options for students, including:

• Single Major [B.A. (Hons)]: This requires students to pass at least 60 Units of SN courses or SN-recognised courses, including:
  • SN1101E
  • a minimum of 36 Units of SN courses
  • a minimum of 36 Units at level-3000 or higher, with a minimum of 20 Units at level-4000 or higher
  • a maximum of 1 SN or SN-recognised course at level 5000 (subject to department’s approval)
  • a maximum of 8 Units of Tamil or Hindi track language courses offered by CLS
• Second Major: This requires students to pass at least 40 Units of SN courses or SN-recognised courses, including:
  • SN1101E
  • a minimum of 24 Units of SN courses
  • a minimum of 16 Units at level 3000 or higher
  • a maximum of 8 Units of Tamil or Hindi track language courses offered by CLS
• Minor in India Studies: This requires students to pass at least 20 Units of SN or SN-recognised courses, including:
  • a minimum of 12 Units of SN modules
  • a minimum of 4 Units at level-3000
  • The following courses are also recognised as contributing towards the Minor in India Studies requirements:
    • HY3236/SN3262 – The Struggle for India
    • PH3204/SN3272 – Issues in Indian Philosophy
    • HY2258 – Passage to India: Contemporary Modern Indian Society
    • LAH1201 – Hindi 1
    • LAH2201 – Hindi 2
    • LAL1201 – Tamil 1
    • LAL2201 – Tamil 2

Admissions

The South Asian Studies Programme welcomes all students with good results in the GCE ‘A’ Levels (including General Paper) who have an interest in South Asia. No prior knowledge of the region or knowledge of any South Asian language is required.

Job Ready

The program prepares graduates to excel in corporations and agencies with interests and operations in South Asian countries. Our graduates take on roles like administrators, educationists, analysts, policy makers, and consultants. The economic and political importance of individual South Asian nation states, and the entire region, has grown tremendously, offering great career opportunities in the future.

Why CHS?

The College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) is the enhanced undergraduate experience for students of the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences (FASS) and the Faculty of Science (FOS) at the National University of Singapore. CHS offers:

• Scale of Impact: Taps and builds on the research expertise of two of the largest and most established faculties in Singapore.
• Deliberate Curriculum Curation: A distinct interdisciplinary approach that emphasises the ability to draw connections, discover links and connect insights across disciplines.
• Unparalleled Flexibility: Offers greater choice and unparalleled flexibility to pursue breadth and depth from more than 1,000 modules per academic year.

Testimonials

The program has received positive feedback from students and alumni, who appreciate the unique opportunity to explore the rich history and vibrant diaspora of South Asia. Alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers in various fields, including academia, policy-making, and consulting.