Established                                                 2007
Grant Allocation                                         10.05 lakhs
Received By University                               75%
Present Location                                        Department of English Himachal Pradesh University Summerhill, Shimla -5
Program Coordinator                        Professor Pankaj K.Singh Department of English Himachal Pradesh                                                                     University Summerhill, Shimla -5 Telephone no. 0177-2830465/5843(O)                                                                     0177-2623866 (R) Email - pankaj.canz@gmail.com
Deputy Coordinator                                  Dr Neelima Kanwar Associate Professor (English) ICDEOL Himachal                                                                                      Pradesh University Summerhill, Shimla 171005
                                                                    Email – neelima.canz@gmail.com
Project Associate                                       Ms Papiya Lahiri

Vision

To initiate and enhance understanding of the vibrant diversities of contemporary Australia and New Zealand which will be conducive to the growth of bilateral relations with these countries. The Area Study Centre will create a multi-disciplinary valuable Resource Centre on Australia and New Zealand which will create greater awareness in academic circles in North India about Australia and New Zealand. Initially selective courses in Australian and New Zealand Studies at M.A. and M. Phil. levels can be introduced in various disciplines and gradually full courses in Australian and New Zealand Studies may also be offered. Research at M. Phil and Ph. D. level would also be pursued. To state it very briefly the vision /aim of the centre is to make Australia and New Zealand accessible to India and India accessible to Australia them by building resources and promoting academic exchanges between these countries.

Objectives

• To create a multi-disciplinary resource centre on Australia and New Zealand to provide information to students, researchers, teachers alike in North India. Areas which will receive special attention are: culture, history, geography, political science, economic policies, international relations--particularly the role of diasporic communities, tourism etc., ethnic diversity, issues of Indigenous People and Gender issues etc.
• To invite (in collaboration with Australia-India Council and New Zealand High Commission) academics, writers, artists, scientists, administrators, etc for lectures, workshops, etc on Australia and New Zealand.
• To introduce teaching of Australian and New Zealand studies initially as part of MA and M. Phil courses, and gradually as the resources build up complete courses on Australian and New Zealand Studies will be offered.
• To promote research at M. Phil and Ph.D. level.

Thrust Area

• Countries/ Region of Study in the Proposed Area:Australia and New Zealand
• Theme of Study:  A comprehensive /holistic study of Australia and New Zealand - of their culture, ethnicities, diasporic communities, and issues related to indigenous communities, gender issues, history, politics, economy, environment, international relations, tourism, and migration.

Activities offered

• Courses offered at M.A and M.Phil levels (English)
• Research being pursued at M.Phil and PhD level 

Forthcoming events

• 11-12 September. Interdisciplinary International Seminar on ‘Nation and Pluralism’.
• Visit by poet Mr. Geoff Page.
• Visit by Professor Richard Nile, Professor of History, Curtin University of Technology, Perth in September, 2008.