203 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-3379; www.wisc.edu/southasia
Undergraduate certificate advisor: Sharon Dickson, 203 Ingraham Hall, 262-3209, sdickson@wisc.edu
Undergraduates interested in cross-disciplinary study of South Asia (generally defined as the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Tibetan region) may earn a Certificate in South Asian Studies. The certificate can be a valuable addition to a major in anthropology, archeology, business, communications, economics, education, geography, history, international studies, journalism, languages and cultures of Asia, political science, women's studies, zoology, and other departments. Completion of the certificate provides a concentration in the area through language and/or interdisciplinary training that provides enhanced career opportunities or increased preparation for graduate study.
The certificate in South Asian studies can be partially fulfilled through completion of the UW-Madison College-Year-in-India or College-Year-in-Nepal programs, see www.studyabroad.wisc.edu.
Applicants must fulfill the UW-Madison requirements for an established major in their school or college and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.75 in all courses they wish to count toward the certificate. Courses may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. At least one year of a South Asian language (Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Nepali, Tamil, Telugu, Tibetan, or Urdu) is strongly recommended for the certificate, but is not formally required. Certificate students must complete 21 credits:
Contact the certificate advisor to create a plan that includes a well-balanced selection of area studies and disciplinary courses and for approval of appropriate introductory and cap-stone seminar courses. Certificate progress is tracked on DARS; some exceptions to the certificate course list may be permitted depending on the course instructor and course work (see the certificate advisor).