Science/Social Sciences/Area Studies

Science / Social Sciences / Area Studies /

Area Studies focus on the history, politics, economics, demographics, and geography of a given country or region (such as the Andes, South Pacific, or Central Asia). Area Studies also create profiles that can be used to predict or explain current events. Traditionally, they were data driven and often highly quantitative in nature. Relatively recently, many scholars in the field have embraced a more interpretive perspective and focus on more qualitative areas, including religion, literature, music, philosophy, and even art history. Area Studies have key differences with related Social Sciences. Ethnic Studies are written from the perspective of the group being studied. Area Studies, on the other hand, are generally written from an outsiders perspective. Unlike Anthropology, the 'culture concept', is not a central organizing theme for the discipline. Area Studies are distinct from Sociology in that they do not primarily focus on social relationships and institutions.

Sub Categories

South Pacific Studies

Related Categories

Ranked Sites

Culturelink Network

Network of networks for research and cooperation in cultural development. Features databank of regional policies, institutions, and resources; current publications and research; membership and participation information.

7
609,691
NA
86,100
6,170
2

MSU Global Access

Search engine from Michigan State University features access to courses, maps, news, data sources, and current research. Database is sorted by region, country, thematic area, constituency group, and resource type.

6
1,481,143
NA
15,300
2,760
670

Aneki.com

Offers country and regional profiles including maps, information on literacy, GNP, poverty, and comparison rankings.

6
83,220
NA
388,000
11,500
54

NationMaster.com

Provides country and regional graphs and descriptive statistics based on geography, military, economy, crime, education, and transportation.

7
19,704
549
3,310,000
51,600
13

Country Studies

Full text version of books included in the Country Studies/Area Handbook Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Army.

5
1,099,761
NA
2,390,000
1,550
448

Countries Quest

Directory features articles about different countries organized by continent and offers information on natural resources, people, arts, economy, government, and history.

NA
976,128
NA
37,100
998
2

Global Studies Program - Masters in Social Sciences

Study focus on globalization, international governance and cultural change. Degree program jointly run by universities in Freiburg, New Delhi, and Singapore.

NA
17,339
NA
2,800
169
162

Rank Directory