The South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) was formed with the mission to promote the study of South Asia and the South Asian diaspora through a multi-disciplinary framework. SASI is comprised of fifteen faculty members from various academic backgrounds here at San Francisco State University. Our areas of expertise include history, business, women studies, ethnic studies, art history, political science, and humanities among others.

SASI was officially formed after three of its members were awarded a grant from the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language (UISFL) to develop area studies. The grant enabled SASI to expand the curriculum and promote academic activities on campus. Over the year, 2006-2007, SASI has created a minor in South Asia/Diaspora studies, offered new courses, funded Hindi instruction and public lectures, and introduced the South Asian American Community Internship Program.

Our goals for the future include the creation of a South Asia/Diaspora studies major, the permanent offering of South Asian languages, the continued expansion of the curriculum and the development of a study abroad program.

As we build on our past year's accomplishments, SASI stays committed to bringing the students and faculty on campus together with the Bay Area community. We plan to sponsor cultural events, public lectures and film series that will appeal to members of both campus and community.

This website is the hub of SASI's activities. It will be where students, faculty and others can go to receive the latest information on course offerings, events, news and programming related to South Asian and South Asian Diaspora Studies both on this campus and throughout the Bay Area. Information on faculty, courses, schedules and minor requirements can also be found here.

We invite you to learn more about our new group by moving through to the other pages.