Dr. David Chu Program In Contemporary Asian Studies


Faculty List

Professors Emeriti
Victor Falkenheim (East Asian Studies/Political Science)
Hy Van Luong (Anthropology)

University Professor
Tania Li (Anthropology)

Professors
Zaheer Baber (Sociology, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Jacques Bertrand (Political Science)
Loren Brandt (Economics)
Eric Cazdyn (East Asian Studies)
Amrita Daniere (Geography/Planning)
Takashi Fujitani (History)
Ping-Chun Hsiung (Social Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Yoonjung Kang (French and Linguistics)
Bonnie McElhinny (Anthropology)
Ito Peng (Sociology)
Katharine Rankin (Geography)
Atsuko Sakaki (East Asian Studies)
Rachel Silvey (Geography)
Jesook Song (Anthropology)
Andre Sorensen (Social Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Ka Tat Tsang (Social Work)
Joseph Wong (Political Science)
Jia-Lin Xie (Rotman School of Management)
Lisa Yoneyama (East Asian Studies)
Xiaodong Zhu (Economics)

Associate Professors
Aisha Ahmad (Political Science)
Ruoyun Bai (Global Asia Studies, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Joshua Barker (Anthropology)
Ritu Birla (History)
Alana Boland (Geography)
Li Chen (Global Asia Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga)
Carol Chin (History)
Hae Yeon Choo (Sociology)
Francis Cody (Anthropology/Asian Institute)
Naisargi Dave (Anthropology)
Arti Dhand (Religion)
Christoph Emmrich (Religion)
Xing Fan (Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies)
Diana Fu (Political Science, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Frances Garrett (Religion)
Kanishka Goonewardena (Geography)
Yi Gu (Art History, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Kajri Jain (Visual Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga)
Beatrice Jauregui (Criminology and Sociolegal Studies)
Raji Jayaraman (Economics and Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy)
Malavika Kasturi (Historical Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga)
Ken Kawashima (East Asian Studies)
Tong Lam (Historical Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga)
Yoonkyung Lee (Sociology)
Phillip Lipscy (Political Science, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy)
Sida Liu (Sociology)
Ken MacDonald (Social Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Mark Manger (Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy)
Lisa Mar (History, University College)
Heather Miller (Anthropology)
Kanta Murali (Political Science)
Rajashree Narayanareddy (Geography)
Lynette Ong (Political Science/Asian Institute)
Joshua Pilzer (Music)
Janet Poole (East Asian Studies)
Jennifer Purtle (Art History)
Bhavani Raman (Historical and Cultural Studies, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Srilata Raman (Religion)
Ajay Rao (Religion)
Karen Ruffle (Religion)
Izumi Sakamoto (Social Work)
Shiho Satsuka (Anthropology)
Andre Schmid (East Asian Studies)
J. Barton Scott (Religion)
Jayeeta Sharma (History, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Neera Singh (Geography)
Shafique Virani (Historical Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga)
Yvon Wang (History)
Yiching Wu (East Asian Studies/Asian Institute)
Sherry Yu (Arts, Culture and Media, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Meng Yue (East Asian Studies)
Jun Zhang (Geography)
Weiguo Zhang (Sociology, University of Toronto Mississauga)
Yurou Zhong (East Asian Studies)

Assistant Professors
Michelle Cho (East Asian Studies)
Yujeong Choi(East Asian Studies)
Cindy Ewing (History)
Elisa Freschi (Philosophy)
Alessandro Graheli (Historical Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga)
Anup Grewal (Cultural and Historical Studies, University of Toronto Scarborough)
Rijuta Mehta (English)
Libby Mills (Religion)
Shivaji Mukherjee (Political Science, University of Toronto Mississauga)
Tahseen Shams (Sociology)
Nidhi Subramanyam (Geography)
Wen-Ching Sung (Anthropology)
Julie Vig (Religion)
Matthew Walton (Political Science)
Elizabeth Wijaya (Visual Studies and Cinema Studies)
Shana Ye (Women and Gender Studies, University of Toronto Scarborough)

Adjunct Professors
Deepali Dewan (Royal Ontario Museum)
Wendy Dobson (Rotman School of Management)

Introduction

Asia is home to more than half the world’s population. Its cultural and historical complexity is endless, its economic growth unprecedented, and its global influence unmatched.

The Contemporary Asian Studies program (CAS) offers a thematically driven approach to understanding the complexity of issues facing today’s Asia. It examines the linkages between Asia’s history and culture, its emergence on the global stage, and its future in the global arena. CAS courses are distinctly pan-Asian in geographic scope, providing empirical and critical coverage of South, Southeast, and East Asia through multiple disciplinary approaches, including anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, religion, and sociology.

By exposing students to current issues and debates in Asia, the CAS program is designed to prepare students for careers in or about Asia. In addition, the Asian Institute is committed to facilitating overseas experiential learning opportunities, including field schools, international course modules, professional internships, and study abroad opportunities. Upper-level CAS courses are designed to be research-intensive. There is no language requirement for the CAS major or minor. However, students are strongly encouraged to study an Asian language. 1.0 credit in an approved Asian language can be credited towards the major or minor degree.

Students may also be interested in the South Asian Studies minor, which is closely connected with the Contemporary Asian Studies program.

NOTE: Students who wish to count courses towards the CAS major or minor that are not listed as CAS courses or in Group A, B, or C of the program completion requirements (including U of T courses and transfer credits) must seek pre-approval from the program advisor prior to taking the course. Asian content does not guarantee that the course will be approved for CAS program credit.

 

Contact Information

Website: https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/ai/cas

Undergraduate Office

Email: ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-946-8832

Office Location:
Asian Institute, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
1 Devonshire Place, Room 228N

 

Note About Program Completion

Students can complete only one program type – Specialist, Major, or Minor – in an individual area referenced with the same four-digit program code.

The Contemporary Asian Studies programs impacted by this policy: ASMAJ0235 and ASMIN0235

Contemporary Asian Studies Programs

Contemporary Asian Studies Major (Arts Program) - ASMAJ0235

Enrolment Requirements:

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Completion Requirements:

(7.0 credits. Please note: each course can only be counted towards one of the requirements below)

1. 1.0 credit from CAS100H1/​ CAS101H1/​ CAS200H1/​ CAS201H1/​ CAS202H1/​ CAS203H1

2. 1.0 credit in 300-level CAS courses (including JHA, JPA, and SAS)

3. CAS400H1

4. 1.5 credits from Group A

5. 1.5 credits from Group B

6. 1.0 additional credit from Group A or B, OR 1.0 credit at any level of an Asian language (see Accepted Language Courses below)

7. CAS450H1 OR 0.5 credit in a quantitative or qualitative methods course from Group C to fulfill the Research Competency required in the program.

Group A: Social, Political and Economic Topics (Social Science)
AFR389H1, CAS200H1, CAS201H1, CAS202H1, CAS310H1, CAS320H1, CAS370H1, CAS390H1, CAS420H1, CAS430H1, CAS490H1, ANT341H1, ANT472H1, ANT477H1, CDN230H1, CDN390H1, EAS105H1, EAS246H1, EAS247H1, EAS270H1, EAS271H1, EAS272H1, EAS273H1, EAS285H1, EAS289Y1, EAS315H1, EAS328H1, EAS333H1, EAS345Y1, EAS347H1, EAS357H1, EAS364H1, EAS372H1, EAS373H1, EAS374H1, EAS375H1, EAS378H1, EAS457H1, EAS459Y1, EAS466H1, EAS468H1, EAS473H1, EAS474H1, EAS476H1, ECO435H1, GGR342H1, GGR343H1, HIS280Y1, HIS282Y1, HIS283Y1, HIS285H1, HIS315H1, HIS316H1, HIS326H1, HIS328H1, HIS333H1, HIS346H1, HIS379H1, HIS385H1, HIS385Y0, HIS400H1, HIS470H1, HIS480H1, HIS494H1, JHA384H1, JHA394H1, JPA331H1, JPA376Y0, JPA453H1, MUN200H1, POL302H1, POL307H1, POL328H1, POL388H1, POL357Y1, POL431H1, POL441H1, RLG362H1, RLG476H1, SAS114H1, SAS318H1, SOC218H1, SOC372H1, WGS420H1

Group B: Cultural Topics (Humanities)
BPM214H1, CAS310H1, CAS320H1, CAS350H1, CAS360H1, CAS414H1, CDN225H1, CDN307H1, CDN325H1, CHC456H1, CIN376Y1, EAS231H1, EAS251H1, EAS278H1, EAS279H1, EAS307H1, EAS314H1, EAS333H1, EAS355H1, EAS387H1, EAS391H1, EAS392H1, EAS394H1, EAS419H1, EAS421H1, EAS431H1, EAS489H1, ENG368H1, ENG369H1, FAH260H1, FAH262H1, FAH363H1, FAH364H1, FAH462H1, FAH463H1, FAH464H1, FAH465H1, FAH487H1, FAH490H1, HIS266H1, HIS467H1, MUS209H1, MUS215H1, PHL237H1, PHL239H1, PHL339H1, RLG205H1, RLG206H1, RLG208H1, RLG311H1, RLG312H1, RLG352H1, RLG355H1, RLG356H1, RLG358H1, RLG361H1, RLG365H1, RLG366H1, RLG372H1, RLG373H1, RLG478H1, SAS490H1

Group C: Methodology
ANT380H1, CAS450H1, CRI350H1, DTS300H1, ECO220Y1, ECO227Y1, ENV338H1, GGR225H1, GGR270H1, GGR271H1, GGR274H1, INS390H1, INS460H1, LIN405H1, MUN105Y1, PCJ461H1, POL222H1, POL419H1, PSY201H1, STA201H1, STA220H1, SOC202H1, SOC204H1, SOC409H1, WGS360H1

Accepted Language Courses
 EAS100Y1, EAS101Y1, EAS200Y1, EAS201H1, EAS300Y1, EAS301H1, EAS401H1, EAS402H1, EAS404H1, EAS120Y1, EAS121H1, EAS122Y0, EAS220Y1, EAS221H1, EAS222Y0, EAS223Y0, EAS320Y1, EAS321Y0, EAS322Y0, EAS460H1, EAS461H1, EAS462Y0, EAS463Y0, EAS464Y0, EAS110Y1, EAS210Y1, EAS211Y1, EAS212H1, EAS310Y1, EAS410Y1, EAS416Y1, HIN211H5, HIN212H5, HIN311H5, HIN312H5, HIN313H5, HIN412Y5, LGGA70H3, LGGA71H3, LGGA72Y3, LGGA74H3, LGGA75H3, LGGA76Y3, LGGB74H3, LGGA78Y3, LGGC70H3, PUN212Y5, RLG260H1, RLG263H1, RLG359H1, RLG360H1, RLG474H1, SAN291Y5, SAN392Y5, URD212Y5, URD312Y5

Contemporary Asian Studies Minor (Arts Program) - ASMIN0235

Enrolment Requirements:

This is an open enrolment program. A student who has completed 4.0 credits may enrol in the program.

Completion Requirements:

(4.0 credits. Please note: each course can only be counted toward one of the requirements below)

1. 1.0 credit from CAS100H1, CAS101H1, CAS200H1, CAS201H1, CAS202H1, CAS203H1
2. 1.0 credit from 300-level CAS courses and/or 400-level courses (including JHA, JPA, and SAS)
3. 0.5 credit from Group A and 0.5 credit from Group B (excluding 100-level courses)
4. 1.0 credit from Group A or B (excluding 100-level courses), or at any level in an Asian language (see Accepted Language Courses below)

Group A: Social, Political and Economic Topics (Social Science)
AFR389H1, CAS200H1, CAS201H1, CAS202H1, CAS310H1, CAS320H1, CAS370H1, CAS390H1, CAS413H1, CAS420H1, CAS430H1, CAS490H1, ANT341H1, ANT472H1, ANT477H1, CDN230H1, CDN390H1, EAS105H1, EAS246H1, EAS247H1, EAS270H1, EAS271H1, EAS272H1, EAS273H1, EAS285H1, EAS289Y1, EAS315H1, EAS328H1, EAS333H1, EAS345Y1, EAS347H1, EAS357H1, EAS364H1, EAS372H1, EAS373H1, EAS374H1, EAS375H1, EAS378H1, EAS457H1, EAS459Y1, EAS466H1, EAS468H1, EAS473H1, EAS474H1, EAS476H1, ECO435H1, GGR342H1, GGR343H1, HIS280Y1, HIS282Y1, HIS285H1, HIS283Y1, HIS326H1, HIS328H1, HIS333H1, HIS346H1, HIS379H1, HIS385H1, HIS385Y0, HIS470H1, HIS480H1, HIS494H1, JHA384H1, JHA394H1, JPA331H1, JPA376Y0, JPA453H1, MUN200H1, POL302H1, POL307H1, POL328H1, POL388H1, POL357H1, POL431H1, POL441H1, POL463H1, RLG476H1, SAS114H1, SAS318H1, SOC218H1, SOC372H1, WGS420H1

Group B: Cultural Topics (Humanities)
BPM214H1, CAS310H1, CAS320H1, CAS350H1, CAS360H1, CAS414H1, CDN225H1, CDN305H1, CDN307H1, CDN325H1, CHC456H1, CIN376Y1, EAS231H1, EAS251H1, EAS278H1, EAS279H1, EAS307H1, EAS314H1, EAS333H1, EAS355H1, EAS387H1, EAS391H1, EAS392H1, EAS394H1, EAS419H1, EAS421H1, EAS431H1, EAS489H1, ENG368H1, ENG369H1, FAH260H1, FAH262H1, FAH363H1, FAH364H1, FAH462H1, FAH463H1, FAH464H1, FAH465H1, FAH487H1, FAH490H1, HIS266H1, HIS315H1, HIS316H1, HIS400H1, HIS467H1, MUS209H1, MUS215H1, PHL237H1, PHL239H1, PHL339H1, RLG205H1, RLG206H1, RLG208H1, RLG311H1, RLG312H1, RLG352H1, RLG355H1, RLG356H1, RLG358H1, RLG361H1, RLG362H1, RLG365H1, RLG366H1, RLG372H1, RLG373H1, RLG478H1, SAS490H1

Accepted Language Courses
EAS100Y1, EAS101Y1, EAS200Y1, EAS201H1, EAS300Y1, EAS301H1, EAS401H1, EAS402H1, EAS404H1, EAS120Y1, EAS121H1, EAS122Y0, EAS220Y1, EAS221H1, EAS222Y0, EAS223Y0, EAS320Y1, EAS321Y0, EAS322Y0, EAS460H1, EAS461H1, EAS462Y0, EAS463Y0, EAS464Y0, EAS110Y1, EAS210Y1, EAS211Y1, EAS212H1, EAS310Y1, EAS410Y1, EAS416Y1, HIN211H5, HIN212H5, HIN311H5, HIN312H5, HIN313H5, HIN412Y5, LGGA70H3, LGGA71H3, LGGA72Y3, LGGA74H3, LGGA75H3, LGGA76Y3, LGGA78Y3, LGGB74H3, LGGC70H3, PUN212Y5, RLG260H1, RLG263H1, RLG359H1, RLG360H1, RLG474H1, SAN291Y5, SAN392Y5, URD212Y5, URD312Y5


 

Elective Courses

Electives offered by other departments which are pre-approved for CAS credit are listed under groups A, B, and C in the major and minor program requirements. Note that not all electives are offered every year. Some may not be offered on a regular basis and/or may only be offered to students enrolled in a program sponsored by the department or unit offering the course. Students are responsible for checking co- and prerequisites for all courses.

Courses with Priority Enrolment

The following courses (non-CAS) offer priority enrolment for CAS students:

POL328H1 - Politics and Government in South Asia

Contemporary Asian Studies Courses

CAS100H1 - Locating Asia: An Introduction to Contemporary Asian Studies

Previous Course Number: CAS202H1

Hours: 24L/6T

This course provides an introduction to Contemporary Asian Studies, focusing on the rapid social, political, economic, and cultural changes taking place in the dynamic regions of East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS101H1 - The Rise of Global China: Aspirations and Challenges to Existing World Order

Hours: 24L

China's stunning economic transformation has been one of the most significant developments in this century. However, it remains a single-party state that has been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party since 1949. What does this economic-political juxtaposition mean for the 1.4 billion Chinese population, and the world at large? As China's presence is increasingly felt across the world, either through its Belt-and-Road Initiative, or its more assertive foreign policy, does China promote economic growth and international cooperation, or does it challenge the existing world order? With changing political landscape in the US and the purported demise of the Liberal World Order, will China emerge as a leader that shape a new world order? This course invites you to explore and ponder some of the most transformative questions in global affairs today.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

MUN120H1 - Revolutions

Hours: 24L/8T

This course transcends time and place to delve into the overarching dynamics of revolution. This exploration of revolutions goes beyond simple chronology to uncover common threads that unite these transformative events. From the spirit that ignited the English Revolution to the fervor of the American Revolution, the course navigates through the social and political forces that reshaped societies. Students will dissect the emergence of radical change, tracing its evolution from the French Revolution to the Revolutions of 1848 and the birth of modern political ideologies. The course then navigates through the 20th century, from the Russian and Chinese Revolutions to the Cuban Revolution and the intricate web of Latin American revolutionary movements. Comparative analysis delves into the universal and unique aspects of these revolutions, offering students an understanding of the power and influence of these transformative moments.

Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

MUN200H1 - Understanding Global Controversies

Hours: 24L/12T

This course explores the role of language and moral claims in shaping controversies and their potential resolutions. We will grapple with how ideas define perceptions of fairness, of good and evil, of groups and their boundaries, and of challenges and controversies. The course will draw examples from history, law, philosophy, and politics.

Prerequisite: Completion of 4.0 credits
Breadth Requirements: Thought, Belief and Behaviour (2)

CAS200H1 - State Power and Social Diversity in Asia

Hours: 24L

This course is an introduction to Contemporary Asian Studies. It covers detailed case study material from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. It introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of political, sociocultural and economic interactions among these regions, as well as the transnational forces shaping internal dynamics throughout Asia. In addition, it examines the ways that forces stemming from Asia are affecting global processes, pushing scholarship to engage questions about colonialism, nationalism, "race," religion, markets, urbanization, migration, and mass mediated culture. This course provides preparation for more advanced courses on Asia and globalization and provides an introductory gateway for the Contemporary Asian Studies major and minor. May be taken in the first year of studies.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS201H1 - Global Asian Studies: Insights and Concepts

Previous Course Number: CAS200Y1

Hours: 24L

This course addresses Asia empirically in contemporary global formations and as an idea in the global imagination. It introduces students to concepts and theories central to scholarship on Asia and its transnational formations. It provides foundational theoretical and conceptual material to understand global issues as they play out in the politics, economies, cultures and contemporary social worlds of contemporary Asian sites. Interdisciplinary analytical and research concepts are introduced to provide area studies grounding. This course provides preparation to delve into deeper research on Asia connected to broad questions about the natures of democracy, authoritarianism, market formation, social justice, and the media of cultural expression. It informs students aiming to take more advanced courses on Asia and globalization and provides one part of the foundation for the Contemporary Asian Studies major and minor. CAS201H1 introduces the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that are explored through further grounded empirical case studies in upper year CAS courses.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS202H1 - Asia and the World in the 21st Century

Previous Course Number: CAS200Y1

Hours: 24L

This interdisciplinary course explores a variety of sites and topics in South, Southeast, and East Asia. It explores themes including contemporary and historical articulations of socio-economic development, (post)colonial political formations, urbanization processes, climate change, labour struggles, gender studies, migration, citizenship, and social justice. The course examines the diversity of Asian modernities, cross-regional linkages, and changing approaches to area studies over time. It provides a foundation for the Contemporary Asian Studies major and minor, preparing students for taking more advanced courses on Asia in the global context.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS203H1 - Conflict & Cooperation in Asia

Hours: 24L/12T

Asia is home to a very diverse array of powers facing major and minor issues. These issues range from water, population control, health and environment to territory, armed conflict and nuclear threats. The goal of this course is to study some of the problems that can lead to instability in the region with enormous potential to affect the rest of the world, as well as ways developed by these states to cooperate with each other. Examples are drawn primarily from China and India but also from other countries in Asia.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS310H1 - Comparative Colonialisms in Asia

Hours: 24L

This course analyzes the impact of colonialism in South, East, and Southeast Asia and the various ways in which pre-colonial traditions intersect with and reshape colonial and postcolonial process across the various regions of Asia. The course will examine the conjunctures of economy, politics, religion, education, ethnicity, gender, and caste, as these have played out over time in the making and re-making of Asia as both idea and place. Attention will be paid to postcolonial and indigenous theories, questions of ‘the colonial’ from the perspective of Asian Studies, and debates about the meaning of postcolonialism for the study of Asia now and in the future.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS320H1 - Comparative Modernities in Asia

Hours: 24L

Since at least the late 1700s, the effects of capitalism across the globe have profoundly transformed the landscapes of human livelihood, consumption, production and governance in Asia. While colonial empires have declined, new empires have emerged, and a growing number of countries have witnessed the rise of nationalism and independent states, social, political and technological revolutions, and most recently neoliberal globalization. This course theorizes and explores these dramatic changes in a comparative framework. It is aimed at students wishing to better understand the great transformations of modern Asia in a global context.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

MUN323H1 - The Economics of Poverty: Daily Lives and Policy

Hours: 24L

Poverty is a universal economic condition spanning both poorer and richer countries. Surviving on limited resources demands extraordinary decision-making and adaptability. This course examines how people living in poverty make choices under severe constraints, focusing on risk management, health, and education. While external interventions often dominate policy debates, we will highlight innovative strategies individuals in poverty develop to navigate their circumstances, recognizing how seemingly irrational choices often make sense within context. Key questions include: How is poverty defined and measured? How does poverty relate to inequality? What is the distinction between absolute and relative poverty? How do the poor organize their social and economic lives? How do households prepare for emergencies and old age with limited resources? An interdisciplinary perspective complements the economic lens to foster deeper understanding. Students gain an appreciation of complex constraints shaping the lives of the poor and how these insights can inform effective policy.

Prerequisite: Completion of 1.0 credit in MUN, PPG, PCJ, EUR, CAS and/or AMS courses at the 200+ levels.
Exclusion: PCJ360H1 (Economic Lives of the Poor) offered in Fall 2025. PPG310H1 (Economic Lives of the Poor) offered in Fall 2025.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

MUN324H1 - The Rise and Fall of Trade Cooperation

Hours: 24L

This course examines how states and firms design, erode, and reinvent trade cooperation across regions and time. From the failed International Trade Organization to the WTO’s stalled rule-making, exclusion and backsliding have long shaped global commerce. Students explore when actors favor flexible bilateral deals versus institutionalized arrangements, with cases spanning ASEAN, the European Union, Latin America, North America (CUFTA, NAFTA, CUSMA), and newer mega-regionals. Combining theory and evidence, the course equips students to analyze tariff bargaining, non-tariff barriers, institutional change, and geopolitics, situating contemporary trade conflicts within decades of experimentation in rules-based trade.

Prerequisite: Completion of 1.0 credit at the 200+ levels from MUN, PPG, CAS, EUR, AMS and/or PCJ courses
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

MUN325H1 - Public Policy Across Income Levels

Hours: 24L

In societies, people can be ranked into hierarchical layers or strata based on characteristics, including income, wealth, occupation, race, and gender. This structure of inequality is systematic, patterned, and relatively stable across time. Importantly, inequality among people is both embedded and reinforced by social institutions, including policy. The purpose of this course is to examine how public policy can both challenge, as well as reinforce income across the distribution. Key policy areas include income support/taxation, education, and healthcare, as well as others. Students in the course will come away with a critical understanding of how policies not only shape individual outcomes, but also the structure of inequality itself.

Prerequisite: Completion of 1.0 credit at the 200+ levels from MUN, PPG, AMS, EUR, CAS and/or PCJ courses
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

MUN327H1 - Innovation and Economic Development

Hours: 24L

This course explores the complex relationship between innovation, technology, and policy. Students will investigate different perspectives on the meaning of economic development and develop an understanding of globalization and its impact on innovation and economic growth. We will consider new strategies for economic development that focus on knowledge, technological innovation and creativity, considering national, regional and local economic development policies and practices.

Prerequisite: Completion of 1.0 credit from MUN, PPG, PCJ, AMS, CAS and/or EUR courses at the 200+ levels.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)
Course Experience: University-Based Experience

JPA331Y0 - Rise of China as a Global Power

Previous Course Number: JPA331Y1

Hours: 48L

This course will take students through important domestic institutions and events in China that shape its current political landscape. Students will be prompted to think about the implications of domestic political factors for China’s rise as a global power. The course examines major China’s adventurism abroad, such as the Belt-and-Road Initiative, and what increasing footprints of Chinese state and private firms overseas mean for international politics. (Offered as part of the Summer Abroad program)

(Given by the Department of Political Science and the Contemporary Asian Studies Program)

Prerequisite: 2.0 POL credits/1.0 CAS credit
Exclusion: JPA331H1/ JPA331Y1/ POLC16H3
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS350H1 - Asian Youth Cultures

Hours: 24L

In focusing on youth in Asia, this course brings together two disputed cultural formations of substantial contemporary importance. Both youth and Asia are increasingly invoked on the global stage in support of a wide range of interests. Examining practices of young people and the idea of youth in the context of Asia requires critical attention to the promises and fears that attach to the rise of Asian economies, international demographic transitions, the growth of a global middle-class, increasing consumption disparities, changing immigration patterns, expanding technological skills, global/local environmental concerns, and young people’s shifting political priorities and loyalties. The course may feature a significant amount of social theory, with authors such as Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, Louis Althusser, and Stuart Hall.

Prerequisite: 4.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: 0.5 CAS credit at the 200-level
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

CAS360H1 - Asian Genders

Hours: 24L

This course will explore ways that gender is mobilized and produced in parts of Asia. It seeks to understand gender and sexuality in their diversity and in attempts to “fix” or locate it in various bodies and places. Attempts will be made to see how gender is made knowable in terms of sexuality, medicine, nation, class, ethnicity, religion, and other discourses. The course assumes a willingness to read challenging theory – such as the writings of Judith Butler, Michel Foucault, and Eve Sedgwick – and asks that students commit to regular attendance.

Prerequisite: 6.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: 0.5 CAS credit at the 200-level
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

MUN368H1 - Global Practicum

Previous Course Number: PCJ361H1

Hours: 24S

An exploration of selected issues in global affairs and public policy involving an overseas and/or practicum component.

Students will engage in partnership‑based academic internships. By applying their classroom learning to real community and workplace settings, they will further develop and strengthen their professional skills.

Eligible students who wish to do a placement must submit an online application form early in the preceding term, which can be found on the Munk School’s undergraduate courses webpage along with instructions and the application deadline.

Not eligible for CR/NCR

Prerequisite: 10.0 credits, including 1.0 credit from MUN200H1/ MUN210H1/ MUN201H1/ MUN220H1/ MUN221H1 completed before MUN368H1 is taken, and an application/interview.
Exclusion: PCJ361H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)
Course Experience: Partnership-Based Experience

MUN370H1 - Special Topics in Global Affairs and Public Policy

Hours: 24L

This course offers students the opportunity for an in-depth examination of various themes in Global Affairs & Public Policy. Topics vary from year to year, depending on the instructor. Course may not be repeated under the same subtitle.

Prerequisite: Completion of 10.0 credits. Students who do not meet the prerequisite are encouraged to contact the instructor.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS370H1 - Asian Cities

Hours: 24L

This course offers a multidisciplinary perspective of urban life in Asia. The thematic focus will be on how the urban intersects with modernities and postcolonial formations. Drawing on recent scholarship in the social sciences and the humanities, we will examine the realignment of cultural, political, and economic forces associated with Asia’s diverse processes of urbanization.

Prerequisite: 4.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: 0.5 CAS credit at the 200-level
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

MUN371H1 - Technology, Surveillance, and Society

Hours: 24L

This course considers how surveillance has shaped modern society. Tracing major technological transformations over time, the course pays special attention to the social, political, and economic contexts central to the emergence of data-intensive surveillance. The course surveys how data collection and analysis has formed new industries, influenced national security strategies, and reconfigured labour relations. The course assesses how new surveillance practices, including the use of artificial intelligence, are changing the relationship between industry and the state, as well as introducing human rights concerns. Topics include surveillance capitalism, workplace surveillance, state funding of science and technology, and digital authoritarianism.

Prerequisite: Completion of 1.0 credit from MUN, PPG, PCJ, CAS, EUR and/or AMS courses at the 200+ levels.
Exclusion: PCJ360H1 and PPG310H1 (Surveillance and Society) both offered in Winter 2026.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

JPA376Y0 - Transforming Global Politics: Comparative and Chinese Perspectives

Hours: 48L

Set against the backdrop of the rise of China, this course examines the dynamics of global change from comparative and Chinese perspectives. Themes include international security, political economy, political development and democracy, global climate change, economic development, poverty and inequality, corruption, technology innovation, among others.

(Given by the Department of Political Science and the Contemporary Asian Studies Program)

Prerequisite: POL208H1/ POL208Y1/ POL209H5/ POLB80H3/ POLB81H3/ POL224H1/ POL224Y1/ CAS200Y1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS380H1 - Chinese Politics Beyond the Headlines

Hours: 24L

This course introduces students to Chinese politics from the economic reform period to the contemporary period. It probes major issues in Chinese politics beyond the headlines, with a focus on state-society relations. Course content updated every year to reflect ongoing political developments.

Prerequisite: 4.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: 0.5 CAS credit at the 200-level
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

JHA384H1 - Japan in the World, Mid-16th to Mid-20th century

Hours: 24L

This course examines Japan within the context of world history from the mid-16th to the mid-20th century. Rather than seek comprehensive coverage of Japan's national history along a linear timeline, we will use Japan as a lens through which to consider key moments in the history of the modern world.

Prerequisite: One course from: HIS102Y1, HIS103Y1, HIS107Y1, HIS241H1, HIS242H1, HIS244H1, HIS250H1, HIS250Y1, HIS271Y1, HIS280Y1, HIS281Y1, HIS282Y1, HIS283Y1, HIS291H1, HIS291Y1, HIS292H1, HIS292Y1, HIS297Y1, or 1.0 credit from CAS200H1, CAS201H1, CAS202H1, CAS310H1, CAS320H1.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS390H1 - Special Topics

Hours: 24L

Course content varies in accordance with the interest of the instructor. Check http://munkschool.utoronto.ca/ai/cas for an updated description.

Prerequisite: 6.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: 0.5 CAS credit at the 200-level

CAS393H1 - Independent Research

Supervised independent research on a topic agreed on by the student and a faculty supervisor before enrolment in the course. Open to advanced CAS major and minor students with a strong background in contemporary Asian studies. A maximum of one year of Independent Research courses is allowed per program. Contact hours with the supervisor may vary, but typically comprise of one hour per week. Not eligible for CR/NCR option. To enrol, please contact ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca to request an application form, which should be filled out in consultation with the faculty supervisor and include a detailed description of the course topic, reading list, and assignments/marking scheme. Students must submit the completed form to ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca at least one week before the start of term.

Prerequisite: 10.0 credits, an application form

CAS393Y1 - Independent Research

Supervised independent research on a topic agreed on by the student and a faculty supervisor before enrolment in the course. Open to advanced students in the CAS major and minor with a strong background in contemporary Asian studies. A maximum of one year of Independent Research courses is allowed per program. Contact hours with the supervisor may vary, but typically comprise of one hour per week. Not eligible for CR/NCR option. To enrol, please contact ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca to request an application form, which should be filled out in consultation with the faculty supervisor and include a detailed description of the course topic, reading list, and assignments/marking scheme. Students must submit the completed form to ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca at least one week before the start of term.

Prerequisite: 10.0 credits, an application form

JHA394H1 - The Asia Pacific War

Hours: 24L

This course examines the Second World War in the Asia Pacific region and highlights: (1) how imperialism and colonialism of both the Euro-American and Japanese varieties were central to the War's outbreak, conduct, and “resolution”; (2) various “local” rather than simply national experiences and memories of the War, including those of marginalized groups in Japan and its colonies, “comfort women,” victims of war atrocities, Asian North Americans, African Americans, and Pacific Islanders.

Prerequisite: One course from: HIS107Y1, HIS242H1, HIS250H1, HIS251H1, HIS263Y1, HIS271Y1, HIS280Y1, HIS281Y1, HIS282Y1, HIS283Y1, HIS284Y1, HIS292Y1, HIS311Y1, HIS317H1, HIS328H1, HIS338H1, HIS343H1, HIS343Y1, HIS344H1, HIS344Y1, HIS351Y1, HIS361Y1, HIS377H1, HIS385H1, HIS385Y1, or 1.0 credit from CAS200H1, CAS201H1, CAS202H1, CAS310H1, CAS320H1.
Recommended Preparation: One or more courses on Japan, China, Korea, or Southeast Asia in any department.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS400H1 - Advanced Seminar in Methods in Contemporary Asian Studies

Hours: 24S

This seminar challenges students to hone their growing mastery in Contemporary Asian Studies by engaging with advanced theory about the peoples and places of the continent. Readings address colonial history and emphasize the contemporary period throughout Asia. As the culmination of a student’s studies in CAS, the course requires students to grapple with post-colonial conditions in Asia.

Prerequisite: 1.0 200-level CAS credit and 1.0 300-level CAS credit
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS413H1 - Asia and Canada

Hours: 24S

This service-learning course partners teams of students with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work for the betterment of people and places in Asia. Students cultivate professional skills in project management, consulting, communications, and team-building. Projects for NGOs include components such as: research, video production, social media enhancement, website development, compiling reports, or youth outreach campaigns.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits
Exclusion: NEW413H1, SAS413H1
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS414H1 - The Public Event in Asia

Hours: 24S

This upper-level seminar will introduce students to the interdisciplinary study of popular culture in Asia through a focus on public events. Readings about all kinds of performances, including ritual, popular protest, festivals, sports, cinema, television, digital media events, and the performing arts will help students learn methodological tools to interpret the politics and meanings of public culture as it articulates with class, ethnicity, religious community, gender and caste. The course will furthermore familiarize students with a range of theoretical lenses for conceptualizing the different meanings of the “event” and the “public” from a perspective grounded in the histories of South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and their diasporas.

Prerequisite: At least 14.0 credits
Exclusion: NEW414H1, SAS414H1
Recommended Preparation: 1.0 credit in 200 level CAS courses; 1.0 credit in 300 level CAS courses
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

CAS420H1 - Asia and the New Global Economy

Previous Course Number: JPA420H1

Hours: 24S

This course explores the rise of Asia and its integration into the new global economy (labour, capitalism, knowledge economy, economic nationalism, inequality, gender, the meaning of capitalism, democracy, among others), exposing students to diverse disciplinary perspectives. Geographical coverage is pan-Asian, including East, Southeast and South Asia.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits
Exclusion: JPA420H1
Recommended Preparation: 1.0 200-level CAS credit and 1.0 300-level CAS credit
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS430H1 - Nationalism and Revolution in Asia

Hours: 24L

This course explores the far-reaching social, political, and cultural transformations in modern East, Southeast, and South Asia, focusing on the twentieth-century revolutionary histories and struggles to establish modern nation-states. The course adopts a topical approach within a chronological and comparative framework to highlight major historical movements and theoretical issues significant to the Asian experience.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits
Exclusion: ASI430H1
Recommended Preparation: 1.0 200-level CAS credit and 1.0 300-level CAS credit
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS450H1 - Capstone Research Seminar in Contemporary Asian Studies

Hours: 24S

CAS450H1 provides students with the opportunity to research questions of contemporary relevance stemming from Asia and its transnational networks and communities. Addressing a range of methodologies, including historical-archival, ethnographic, visual/media, and statistical/quantitative, the course emphasizes research experience outside the classroom, in Asia as well as locally with communities in Toronto. Students will develop their own research contributions while working collaboratively.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits, including 0.5 200-level CAS credit and 1.0 300-level CAS credit.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS460H1 - Global China and Its Growing Footprints in Asia and Around the World

Hours: 24L

This course traces the domestic roots of China’s global expansion. The end of “bide your time, hide your strength” era signals a more confident China and an expansionist stance. Intense domestic competition and excess supply have pushed state-owned and private enterprises alike to seek cheaper manufacturing base and consumer markets overseas. However, increased presence of Chinese capital and people have been met with open arms, but also cynicism, and even resistance. This course will examine the rise of Global China, traces the domestic roots of its rise, the implications for its relations with host countries as well as state-society relations in host countries from Asia to elsewhere.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits, including 1.0 200-level CAS credit and 1.0 300-level CAS credit
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

MUN470H1 - Advanced Topics in Global Affairs and Public Policy

Hours: 24L

This course offers upper year students the opportunity for an in-depth examination of various themes in Global Affairs & Public Policy. Topics vary from year to year, depending on the instructor. Course may not be repeated under the same subtitle.

Prerequisite: Completion of 16.0 credits. Students who do not meet the prerequisite are encouraged to contact the instructor.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

MUN471H1 - Advanced Topics in Global Affairs and Public Policy

Hours: 24L

This course offers upper year students the opportunity for an in-depth examination of various themes in Global Affairs & Public Policy. Topics vary from year to year, depending on the instructor. Course may not be repeated under the same subtitle.

Prerequisite: Completion of 16.0 credits. Students who do not meet the prerequisite are encouraged to contact the instructor.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS490H1 - Special Topics in Contemporary Asian Studies

Hours: 24S

Course content varies in accordance with the interest of the instructor. Check http://munkschool.utoronto.ca/ai/cas for an updated description.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits, including 1.0 200-level CAS credit and 1.0 300-level CAS credit

SAS490H1 - Special Topics in South Asian Studies

Hours: 24S

Course content varies in accordance with the interest of the instructor. Please check the Arts & Science timetable for an updated title and description.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits including at least 1.0 credit from SAS or CAS courses. Students who do not meet these prerequisites are encouraged to contact the Department.
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS498H1 - Independent Research

Supervised independent research on a topic agreed on by the student and a faculty supervisor before enrolment in the course. Open to advanced CAS major and minor students with a strong background in contemporary Asian studies. A maximum of one year of Independent Research courses is allowed per program. Contact hours with the supervisor may vary, but typically comprise of one hour per week. Not eligible for CR/NCR option. To enrol, please contact ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca to request an application form, which should be filled out in consultation with the faculty supervisor and include a detailed description of the course topic, reading list, and assignments/marking scheme. Students must submit the completed form to ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca at least one week before the start of term.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits, including CAS200Y1/( CAS201H1 and CAS202H1), CAS310H1
Recommended Preparation: CAS320H1

CAS498Y1 - Independent Research

Supervised independent research on a topic agreed on by the student and a faculty supervisor before enrolment in the course. Open to advanced CAS major and minor students with a strong background in contemporary Asian studies. A maximum of one year of Independent Research courses is allowed per program. Contact hours with the supervisor may vary, but typically comprise of one hour per week. Not eligible for CR/NCR option. To enrol, please contact ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca to request an application form, which should be filled out in consultation with the faculty supervisor and include a detailed description of the course topic, reading list, and assignments/marking scheme. Students must submit the completed form to ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca at least one week before the start of term.

Prerequisite: 14.0 credits, including 1.0 200-level CAS credit and 1.0 300-level CAS credit

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