Global Asia Studies Major (HBA)

Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

Asian building in foreground with Toronto skyline in the distance

Program Overview

Global Asia Studies is an interdisciplinary program that explores Asia within a dynamic global and diasporic context. As a program, Global Asia Studies aims to offer a cohesive and constantly renewed curriculum that presents an open and accessible interpretation of Asia and its place in the World. Faculty expertise extends into the fields of history, law, languages, literature, media, politics, religion, arts and visual culture. This program uses cutting-edge Humanities methods and theories to explore the societies of East and South Asia to which students are able to gain an in-depth understanding of historical and contemporary global culture and politics.


Complementary Programs:

Classical Studies, Food Studies, History, Women’s and Gender Studies, International Development Studies, Management, Sociology, Media Studies, Art History, Health Studies



Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:

Competencies & Skills

  • Articulate the role of international governing bodies
  • Analyze globalization and contemporary life across Asia and Asian diasporas
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research
  • Describe Asian culture and values
  • Examine/evaluate policy making and international relations
  • Examine media, arts, religions, foods

Careers for Graduates

  • Immigration Officer in Federal Government
  • Account Manager in Financial/Consulting/Other Services
  • Community Worker in Non-Profits
  • Policy Analyst in Municipal Government
  • International Trade Officer in Government
  • Political Aide in Provincial Government
  • Work with International NGOs

Further Education

  • International Relations
  • History
  • Information/Library Science
  • Asian Studies
  • Education
  • Business Administration
  • Law School
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations
  • Food Studies

Program Pathway

Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4

Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely

• 0.5 credit as follows: [GASA01H3 or HISA06H3], GASA02H3.

• Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives. Use Degree Explorer and the UTSC Calendar to plan your courses and program of interest.

 


Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.

  • Get writing support and develop your Academic English skills at the CTL Writing Centre.

 


Apply Theory to Practice
  • Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.

  • Attend Global Asia Studies-related events.

  • Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities on the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network (CLNx).

 


Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Get involved with the Historical and Cultural Studies Student Association (HCSSA); also explore other relevant student clubs and activities on campus.

  • Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.

 


Plan for Your Future Career
  • Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx.

  • Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.

 



Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
  • 1.0 credit from Asian language courses taught at the university (check UTSC Calendar for details).

  • Consider starting on the requirements listed under Year 3.

  • Use Degree Explorer and meet with your Program Advisor or Supervisor to ensure you are on track with your degree.

 


Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).


Apply Theory to Practice

 

  • Get involved in relevant opportunities on and/or off campus; apply to Work Study, or other part-time and summer jobs on CLNx.

  • Get involved with the Historical and Cultural Studies Student Association (HCSSA) and the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies.

 


Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Check CLNx to search for Work Study or volunteer positions on campus to gain experience and to get involved.

  • Read the Department of Historical and Cultural Studies newsletter to find out about events, volunteer and work opportunities.

 


Plan for Your Future Career
  • Connect with professors and advisors early so you are on track with your post- graduation plans.

  • Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.

 



Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
  • 5.5 credits in GAS courses, of which at least 1.5 credits must be at the C-level and 1.0 credit at the D-level (check course description for prerequisites).

  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

 


Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.

Apply Theory to Practice
  • Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.

  • Seek out research and volunteer opportunities with faculty

 


Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Run for an elected position in the Historical and Cultural Studies Student Association (HCSSA).

  • Look into volunteering or working overseas to expand your network through International Student Centre’s (ISC) Global Learning programs.

 


Plan for Your Future Career
  • Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.

  • Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.

  • Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.

 



Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
  • Ensure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.

  • Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.

  • Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

 


Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
  • Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through Department of Student Life (DSL) to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.

Apply Theory to Practice
  • Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your fiel

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
  • Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.

Plan for Your Future Career
  • Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.

  • Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.

  • Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC

 


Glossary

  • AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
  • CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
  • CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
  • CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
  • DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
  • GAS - Global Asia Studies (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/hcs/global-asia-studies)
  • HCSSA - Historial and Cultural Studies Student Association (https://hcssa.weebly.com)
  • ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
  • NGO - Non-Governmental Organization (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/briefing-materials/corporate-book/non-governmental-organizations.html)
  • SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)


Contacts


Departmental Contact

Heather Seto

E-mail: heather.seto@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-208-2923

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/hcs/


Global Asia Studies Librarian

Whitney Kemble

E-mail: whitney.kemble@utoronto.ca
Location: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-287-7499

https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians


Academic Advising & Career Centre

Location: Room AC213
Phone: 416-287-7561

https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/


Department of Student Life

Location: Room SL157
Phone: 416-208-4760

https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/


Historial & Cultural Studies Students Association (HCSSA)

https://hcssa.weebly.com/

Did You Know?

Two people talking

GAS links the study of Asia to Toronto’s vibrant Asian communities and examines themes of gender, migration and more.