Objectives

  • To create a high quality programmatic unit that will achieve international prominence.
  • To span a number of disciplines, including Humanities and Social Sciences; to instruct on the diversity of ethnic cultures, their history, socio-cultural and religious beliefs, and the languages and literatures in which such beliefs have been presented; and to promote principles of virtue, ethics, morality, and peace. It will focus on differing peoples' relationship with society and nature, family values, and ethical, moral and professional standards.
  • To observe a traditional liberal arts ethos; focusing on the transformation of individuals into the best possible persons with the highest moral, ethical, and professional standards.
  • To build upon current university strengths in the disciplines of history and philosophy while studying various socio-cultural and belief systems and the languages and literatures of those systems.
  • To build an intellectual community that supports the development of our students and faculty.
  • To work closely with other programs and institutes at the University of Minnesota such as the Department of Afro-American Studies, American Indian Studies, South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Chicano Studies, China Center, Global Studies, etc.
  • To work closely with other programs and institutions at other colleges in the Twin Cities such as St. Thomas, St. Catherine, Hamline, etc.
  • To serve the needs of the Institute's students as well as those other collegiate departments with ties to various area studies and international programs such as the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, the Humphrey School of Social Work, the Carlson School of Management, etc.
  • To enhance outreach to diverse ethnic communities, businesses and industries in the State of Minnesota.