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SDSU’s Center for Asian and Pacific Studies (CAPS) is an interdisciplinary instructional unit of the College of Arts and Letters. It promotes the study of the Asia Pacific region among its students, faculty and community members, and is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the diversity of Asian culture and society. Established in the 1960s, the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies is an integral part of SDSU’s international studies curriculum.

The Center draws on the resources of multiple departments and programs at the University, including: Anthropology, Art History, Comparative Literature, Economics, Geography, History, Journalism and Media Studies, Linguistics and Asian/Middle Eastern Languages, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Social Work, Sociology and Women's Studies. It offers several core courses in the Asian Studies curriculum and advocates for the teaching of Asian languages and content courses on Asian countries at the University level. It also strives to advance research on Asia, sponsor dialogues on Asian cultures and societies and their relationships to North America, and promote educational exchange between SDSU and universities in the region.

Currently, the center offers an undergraduate Major and Minor in Asian Studies, plus a new Major Emphasis in Chinese Studies and Language (CSL). Non-majors who wish to increase their knowledge about Asia will find many courses available that also fulfill the General Education Requirements.

Launched in Fall 2009, the new CSL Major Emphasis seeks to enhance the study of China and the Chinese language at SDSU for students who have an interest in Mainland China, Taiwan and Chinese diaspora communities. The CSL Program is the recipient of a competitive two-year Title VI Grant from the US Department of Education from 2009-2011. It works closely with other SDSU units, such as the Chinese Language Program, Confucius Institute, International Business, ISTEP, and International Security and Conflict Resolution, to enhance the students’ educational experience on China and the Chinese world.