critical questions
via subcontinental worlds
Collaborative Master's and Doctoral Program in South Asian Studies
The Collaborative Master's and Doctoral Program in South Asian Studies offers entry into a graduate student community, as well as a basic methodological grounding for students already accepted into a graduate program in one of the collaborating departments (listed on the Graduate Study page).
The program is designed to give students an interdisciplinary overview for the critical study of South Asia as a field of expertise and as a lens through which to read a wide range of global processes. Engagement with these questions through the collaborative program will be noted on the transcripts of participating students.
All students who wish to participate in the collaborative program, at the Master's or PhD level, are required to take the core course, SAS2004H, Critical Issues in South Asian Studies: A Region and the Disciplines. This course aims to familiarize students with aspects of the construction and critique of area studies, the history of disciplinary engagement with the region, and major contemporary debates in the field. The most recent syllabus is available to view here (subject to change).
Students in the program are also required to be active participants in the Centre for South Asian Studies lecture and seminar series. The wide range of events organized by the Centre and the Asian Institute offer a significant opportunity for students to think critically about the role of area studies in providing new perspectives on problems of universal significance, as well as to meet regularly and build a community.
Master's Program Requirements
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A mandatory half-year core course, SAS2004H, Critical Issues in South Asian Studies: A Region and the Disciplines. With the permission of the home graduate unit, the core course can be taken in lieu of one of the courses required by the home unit.
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Attendance at a minimum of 2 lectures per term from the Centre for South Asian Studies lecture series during the academic year in which the student takes the core course (September to May). A sign-in sheet will be available to confirm attendance at events.
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If writing a thesis, it is expected to include a significant South Asian component.
Doctoral Program Requirements
A mandatory half-year core course, SAS2004H, Critical Issues in South Asian Studies: A Region and the Disciplines (unless already taken in the master’s program). With the permission of the home graduate unit, the core course can be taken in lieu of one of the courses required by the home unit.
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Attendance at a minimum of 2 lectures per term from the Centre for South Asian Studies lecture series for a total of two years, including the academic year in which the student takes the core course. A sign-in sheet will be available to confirm attendance at events.
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One blog post per year written in response to one of the CSAS lectures, due two weeks after the event
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The dissertation must include a significant South Asian component, with appropriate language skills as necessary.
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A research presentation at the Centre for South Asian Studies on a South Asian topic in year 3, 4, or 5 of the program. Students must contact the Program Administrator at ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca in September to schedule the presentation for that academic year.
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The collaborative program requirements must be completed within 6 years of beginning the PhD.
Application Procedures
Prospective Graduate Students
Annual Deadline: March 1
Students who are not yet enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Toronto should apply to a graduate degree program offered by one of the collaborating departments (listed above) through the School of Graduate Studies online application at https://apply.sgs.utoronto.ca. In the collaborative programs section of the application, indicate that you would like to apply to the South Asian Studies collaborative program. Your statement of interest should indicate that your research will include a significant South Asia focus. If you are accepted into the home department, we will review your application for admission into our program.
Current Graduate Students
Annual Deadline: October 1 (Master’s); March 1 (PhD)
Students who are already enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Toronto can apply to join the collaborative program. Students must arrange for their home department to forward a copy of their complete application (including SGS online application summary form, statement of interest, letters of reference, transcripts, and curriculum vitae) to the South Asian Studies Program Administrator at ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca by the deadline posted above. If necessary, an updated statement of interest should be provided to indicate the South Asia research focus.
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