Celebrating 20 Years of Modern Tibetan Studies
More than two decades ago, a novel idea was born – to bring a contemporary focus to Tibetan studies. Upon its establishment in fall 1999, the Modern Tibetan Studies Program at Columbia University became the first academic program dedicated to modern Tibet. Twenty years later, we step back to survey the achievements of the Program and its unique contribution to the study of modern Asia, with an eye to the future.
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News
Applications Now Open for Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Modern Tibetan Studies
The Weatherhead East Asian Institute invites applications for the role of Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Modern Tibetan Studies for academic year 2023-2024.
Documentary on Death in Tibet Explores Space Between Science and Belief
Reflecting on our December 6 screening of Tukdam: Between Worlds,a new documentary film by Donagh Coleman. The event was cohosted by the Modern Tibetan Studies Program and the School of the Arts at Columbia University, with funding from the Weatherhead East Asian Institute.
New Course! The Third Pole: A Climate History of the Tibetan Plateau
We are very excited to announce that the Climate Humanities Initiative at Columbia University has awarded Professor Gray Tuttle (along with Dr. Hưng Nguyễn (Lamont-Doherty) and Ph.D. candidate Palden Gyal) funding to develop a course on the climate history of Tibet.
Selected Publications

The Sakya Jetsunmas: The Hidden World of Tibetan Female Lamas

Lhasa: Streets with Memories

Sources of Tibetan Tradition
