SDAC Program

Standards of Decision-Making Across Cultures (SDAC) is an interdisciplinary master’s program with a strong foundation in Social and Cultural Anthropology. It aims to equip students with advanced academic and methodological tools, along with critical skills necessary to analyze decision-making processes in East and Southeast Asia. Through this program, students will explore decision-making in various social, political and cultural contexts, cultivating a global perspective. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches while fostering independent, critical thought.

Although Anthropology serves as the backbone of the SDAC curriculum, students have the flexibility to customize their learning journey by choosing from a diverse array of elective courses. These may include subjects like Political Science, Gender Studies, Comparative Literary Studies, Sociology, History, and Cultural Studies (subject to adjustment). By offering these interdisciplinary options, the program allows students to deepen their expertise while ensuring that Anthropology remains a key component of their studies.

Upon completing the program, graduates will be well-prepared for roles within the cultural and political sectors, particularly in positions requiring a nuanced understanding of the complex social and cultural dynamics that define interactions between Asia and Europe. The skills developed throughout the program will empower students to approach decision-making processes with a high level of cultural awareness, positioning them for leadership roles in international and intercultural settings.

The SDAC master’s program requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. The program spans four semesters, in which students must complete a total of 120 ECTS credits. The curriculum consists of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, all delivered in English. Students are also required to complete a Master’s thesis by the end of their fourth semester. As part of their academic journey, students are also exposed to cutting-edge international research through the Center for Advanced Studies Alternative Rationalities and Esoteric Practices from a Global Perspective’s CAS-E lecture series, as well as through other occasional guest lectures organized by the program, further enriching their learning experience.