• Cluster Requirements
• Cluster Curriculum

Faculty in the Asian Studies Cluster offer comprehensive yet focused exposure to Asian histories and cultures with an emphasis on transdisciplinary research and methodologies. The program trains students in advanced research and interdisciplinary studies across the humanities and social sciences. Specializations offered include Chinese, Japanese, South and Southeast Asian history and Culture; Buddhist, Hindu, and Daoist Studies; the arts of China, Japan, and South Asia; and modern Asian Politics.

The cluster's curriculum leads students through religious/cultural structures that are central for understanding the past, while highlighting the diversity within Asian traditions, the inner dynamics of their historical development, and the rich and complex ways that those traditions are deployed in contemporary Asian societies. Courses address our standard assumptions about historical social change and cultural development in fresh and interesting ways. In the first year, students enroll in three seminars. A second-year research seminar provides a collective framework for students to develop dissertation topics addressing interdisciplinary concerns. The content of these courses is adjusted to needs of students gathered in any specific year.

Students interested in pursuing a PhD in Art History, Communication Studies, Comparative Literary Studies, History, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, Sociology, and Theatre and Drama are encouraged to find a second intellectual “home” in this interdisciplinary cluster.

There are many different ways for faculty and students to participate in the intellectual life of the cluster. Many cluster events, such as visiting lecturers and conferences, are open to all members of the University. Cluster seminars are open to graduate students across the University. We encourage all students, faculty and staff of Northwestern to learn more about our research and activities by participating in our public events.

How to Participate
Matriculating graduate students interested in participating in this cluster should indicate their interest when they apply to their respective graduate programs. Information on cluster requirements for participating graduate students can be found by visiting the Requirements page for this cluster.

The first cohort of graduate students will be admitted to the cluster during the 2007-08 academic year. This cohort will include incoming and current students who wish to participate in program activities. Students admitted directly to the cluster and a department are noted as "cluster fellows" and will be provided with two years of fellowship as part of their five-year funding package, as well as with a $1000 research account.

Current graduate students interested in participating in this cluster should contact Professor Victor Shih at vshih@northwestern.edu.

Faculty

The primary appointment for those faculty with joint or affiliate status in another program is noted in parentheses.