South Asian Studies
What is South Asian Studies? We have all heard the clichés: colorful cultures, ancient civilizations, extremes of wealth and poverty. And we have all read the news headlines: renewed Indo-Pakistan tensions, the growing power of Hindu right-wing fundamentalism, South Asia’s increasing role in global politics, and the prominence of the South Asian diaspora.
The South Asian Studies program will take you beyond the clichés and the headlines by providing a broad introduction to the region and a focus on one or more of the region’s issues or countries (with an emphasis on Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). At Middlebury learn about the region’s art, history, literature, politics, and religions.
Then study in India on Middlebury’s program and discover what lies behind the clichés or what never makes it to the headlines.
- FLAME University, a small liberal arts university in Pune, India
- Study in South Asia at a number of different externally sponsored programs
For more information on any study abroad opportunity, see the International Programs website.
When you graduate you will have a deep knowledge of the region, familiarity with a South Asian country from having lived there for four months or longer, at least beginning-level language skills, and an understanding of the global forces that tie South Asia to the rest of the world.
Track Director
Sunder Ramaswamy
Distinguished College Professor of International Economics, Director of International and Global Studies
Fall 2025
- Tel:
- (802) 443-5442
- Office:
- Robert A. Jones House 113
- Office Hours:
- Tuesdays and Fridays 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Fridays; or by appointment.
Kristin Bright
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Starting January 2026
- Email:
- kbright@middlebury.edu
- Tel:
- (802) 443-2236
- Office:
- Munroe Hall 103
- Office Hours:
- Fall 2025: On Sabbatical
Requirements
See general requirements and requirements by track.
Advising Wizard
To assist you in tracking the completion of your requirements, please meet with your advisor to complete and submit the advising wizard for your track.
Courses
See courses by track.
Student Theses
See Past Student Theses.