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

Rebecca (Jiaying) Bi, Program Advisor
Asian Institute, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy
1 Devonshire Place, room 228N
https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/ai/cas
ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca  
416-946-8832

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 CAS200H1/​ CAS201H1/​ CAS202H1

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, HIS326H1, HIS328H1, HIS333H1, HIS346H1, HIS379H1, HIS385H1, HIS385Y0, HIS470H1, HIS480H1, HIS494H1, JHA384H1, JHA394H1, JPA331H1, JPA376Y0, JPA453H1, MUN200H1, POL302Y1, POL307H1, POL328Y1/​ POL328H1, POL388H1, POL357Y1, POL431Y1, POL441H1, 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
CAS450H1, DTS300H1, ECO220Y1, ECO227Y1, GGR225H1, GGR270H1, GGR271H1, MUN105Y1, POL222H1, POL419H1, PSY201H1, STA201H1, STA220H1, SOC202H1, SOC204H1

Accepted Language Courses
 EAS100Y1, EAS101Y1, EAS200Y1, EAS201H1, EAS300Y1, EAS401H1, EAS402H1, EAS404H1, EAS120Y1, EAS121H1, EAS122Y0, EAS220Y1, EAS221H1, EAS222Y0, EAS223Y0, EAS301H1, EAS320Y1, EAS321Y0, EAS322Y0, EAS460H1, EAS461H1, EAS462Y0, EAS463Y0, EAS464Y0, EAS110Y1, EAS210Y1, EAS211Y1, EAS212H1, EAS310Y1, EAS410Y1, EAS416Y1

Note: Effective Fall 2021, courses associated with New College's Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health program will have the new "BPM" designator. In addition, courses associated with St. Michael's College's Christianity and Culture program will have the new "CHC" designator.

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 CAS200H1/​ CAS201H1/​ CAS202H1
2. 1.0 credit from 300-level CAS 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, 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, HIS326H1, HIS328H1, HIS333H1, HIS346H1, HIS379H1, HIS385H1, HIS385Y0, HIS470H1, HIS480H1, HIS494H1, JHA384H1, JHA394H1, JPA331H1, JPA376Y0, JPA453H1, MUN200H1, POL302Y1, POL307H1, POL328Y1/​ POL328H1, POL388H1, POL357Y1, POL431Y1, POL441H1, 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, HIS467H1, MUS209H1, MUS215H1, PHL237H1, PHL239H1, PHL339H1, RLG205H1, RLG206H1, RLG208H1, RLG311H1, RLG312H1, RLG352H1, RLG355H1, RLG356H1, RLG358H1, RLG361H1, 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

Note: Effective Fall 2021, courses associated with New College's Buddhism, Psychology and Mental Health program will have the new "BPM" designator. In addition, courses associated with St. Michael's College's Christianity and Culture program will have the new "CHC" designator.


 

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

CAS200H1 - Introduction to Contemporary Asian Studies

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.

Distribution Requirements: Social Science
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.

Exclusion: CAS200Y1
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS202H1 - Global Asian Studies: Sites and Practices

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.

Exclusion: CAS200Y1
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
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.

Prerequisite: 0.5 CAS credit at the 200-level
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
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.

Prerequisite: 0.5 CAS credit at the 200-level
Recommended Preparation: CAS202H1
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

JPA331H1 - Rise of China as a Global Power

Previous Course Number: JPA331Y1

Hours: 24L

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.

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

Prerequisite: 2.0 credits in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses, or 1.0 CAS credit
Exclusion: JPA331Y1/ POLC16H3
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

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
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
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: 6.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: 0.5 CAS credit at the 200-level
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
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
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
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: 6.0 credits
Recommended Preparation: 0.5 CAS credit at the 200-level
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
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
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
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.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
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
Distribution Requirements: Social Science

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
Distribution Requirements: Social Science

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.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS400H1 - Interdisciplinary Research in Methods in Contemporary Asian Studies

Hours: 24S

This seminar addresses Asian worlds – In Asia, transnationally, and locally – to cultivate new approaches to global processes and problems. The course explores key Asian sites that open new configurations for studying interactions between economic/environmental development, political change, and migration and cultural politics. It provides an advanced and systematic overview of the research methodologies that students have been exposed to throughout the CAS program. These include historical-archival, ethnographic, visual/media, and statistical/quantitative methods that allow us to map Asian political, economic, and cultural formations, and through them, global challenges. The seminar builds interdisciplinary conversations attentive to both critical problematizing and problem-solving, to qualitative and applied projects. It is the required capstone to the Contemporary Asian Studies major.

Prerequisite: 1.0 200-level CAS credit and 1.0 300-level CAS credit
Exclusion: CAS400Y1
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

CAS413H1 - Asia and Canada

Hours: 24S

This course is an interactive, participatory seminar. It will provide an opportunity to complement theoretical understanding about Asia acquired in other courses through hands-on research and experiential learning. The course will enable students to link studying Asia and Canada to career trajectories in the field of development and research.

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

CAS450H1 - Asian Pathways Research Practice

Hours: 24S

This seminar builds on the systematic overview of research methodologies of the Contemporary Asian Studies major and its capstone course, CAS400H1. 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 1.0 200-level CAS credit and 1.0 300-level CAS credit
Exclusion: CAS400Y1
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

JPA453H1 - Authoritarianism in Comparative Perspective

Previous Course Number: POL453H1

Hours: 24S

This course examines the politics of authoritarianism in theory and practice. It covers major theories in authoritarian politics, ranging from selectorate theory, authoritarian institutions, impact of institutions on political outcome, ways of measuring authoritarian state power, democracy and development, to social movement and state repression in authoritarian regime, and political transitions. On empirical application, we will draw on cases from around the world, with some emphasis on Asian authoritarian states.

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

Prerequisite: 2.0 credits in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA/ CAS courses
Exclusion: POL453H1
Distribution Requirements: Social Science
Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

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.
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science
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
Distribution Requirements: Humanities, Social Science

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
Distribution Requirements: Social Science

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
Distribution Requirements: Social Science

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