University of Notre Dame Center for Asian Studies

Asian Studies is flourishing at Notre Dame, and the Center for Asian Studies is at the center of it all! The Center was founded in 1996, under the umbrella of International Programs, with eight members. After steady growth in faculty and continuing increases in student interest in Asia, we now have a core faculty of about 25 and over a dozen other contributing members. We teach about 30 courses related to Asia each semester, with around 600 students. The Center coordinates teaching and research related to Asia.

Teaching: Just before students select courses each semester, we provide information about all Asia-related courses offered. The Center's Director oversees the Supplementary Major and Minor in Asian Studies. The Center offers scholarships for students studying an Asian language not offered at Notre Dame. We sponsor a variety of activities directed at graduate students from throughout the university whose research focuses on Asian or Asian American topics.

Research: We have monthly brown-bag seminars, to which the entire university community is invited. It is a lively forum in which faculty present their own current research. We invite speakers from outside Notre Dame to bring their fresh perspectives to us. In addition, we co-sponsor all student- and department-initiated activities that have an Asian component. Finally, our beautiful new office serves as a gathering site for students and faculty who wish to share Asia-related interests. Visitors can take advantage of the Asia-related periodicals, information about study abroad, brochures on graduate programs, and publicity about events. Snacks and tea are also available. People who eat and drink together are bound to talk and learn together!