South Asia Regional Studies, PhD
South Asia Studies is an interdisciplinary field focusing on the history, languages, society, literature, and art from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bhutan. America's oldest and most distinguished South Asia program, faculty work in multiple disciplines and offer study in nearly 15 South Asian languages.
The Department of South Asia Studies (SAST) offers PhD and MA degrees, attracting exceptional students from around the world. Candidates for the PhD develop a deep familiarity with the history, methodology, and practice of a chosen discipline relevant to the study of South Asia, and a broad knowledge of allied disciplines. Additionally, our PhD candidates will show a demonstrable proficiency in at least two relevant research languages as detailed in the department requirements.
In addition to the completion of coursework and language requirements, PhD candidates are expected to act as Teaching Assistants and/or teach their own classes. PhD candidates, through the course of their time in the department, are expected to make two presentations to the South Asia Colloquium and to successfully pass their Qualifying and Candidacy Exams.
For more information: http://www.southasia.upenn.edu
View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Curriculum
A minimum of 20 course units are required at the 5000 level or above. A minimum of 12 course units must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| Disciplinary/content courses | ||
| Select 10 course units (including at least 6 content courses taught by 6 different SAST standing faculty) 1 | ||
| Advanced Language Requirement | ||
| Select 4 advanced-level courses in a language of concentration | ||
| Intermediate Language Requirement | ||
| Select 2 intermediate-level courses in a research language 2 | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 3 course units | ||
| Dissertation Proposal Preparation | ||
| Teaching Requirements | ||
- 1
At least six content courses (not including language courses and independent studies) must be taken with six different Standing Faculty of the South Asia Studies department in the first two years.
- 2
Candidates who demonstrate advanced knowledge in their language of concentration and/or advanced knowledge of a second research language may be excused from part of these requirements. Candidates who satisfy language requirements at the South Asia Summer Language Institute or other summer courses, or in advanced language programs abroad may likewise be excused from taking additional language courses. Any CUs not required for language study may be reallocated to electives. The exemption from further language study does not result in a reduction of the total number of 20 CUs required for the degree.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Complete at least one language requirement | ||
| Fall | ||
Select 4 courses | ||
| Spring | ||
Select 4 courses | ||
| Summer | ||
Language study (depending on prior language competencies) | ||
| Year 2 | ||
| Complete remaining language requirements | ||
| Fall | ||
Select 3 courses | ||
Teaching Assistantship | ||
| Spring | ||
Select 3 courses | ||
Teaching Assistantship | ||
Dissertation proposal writing and grant writing | ||
PhD Qualifying Exam (Pre-Prospectus research paper) | ||
Application for PhD Candidacy | ||
| Summer | ||
Preliminary PhD research | ||
Language study (if necessary) | ||
First PhD research grant applications are due | ||
| Year 3 | ||
| *Optional one-year abroad language study as needed | ||
| Fall | ||
Select 3 courses | ||
Teaching Assistantship | ||
Complete PhD research grant applications | ||
Bibliography preparation for PhD Candidacy Exams | ||
| Spring | ||
Select 3 courses | ||
Teaching Assistantship | ||
Reading for PhD Oral Candidacy Exams and Prospectus defense 1 | ||
PhD Candidacy Exams | ||
| Summer | ||
| Years 4 and Beyond | ||
| Dissertation research and writing | ||
- 1
May register for Exam Prep in lieu of one course.