Program Activities

Each year the Asian Studies program organizes activities that allow students and faculty from all Asian Studies concentrations to come together to address contemporary challenges and trends in Asian Affairs. In past years, the principal activity has been a one-day crisis simulation exercise held in the fall semester. In academic year 2009-2010, in lieu of the simulation, Asian Studies is hosting a student conference in Asian Studies, scheduled for Friday, April 16, 2010.

Asian Studies Student Conference (Spring 2010)

This one-day student conference provides an opportunity for students to share their research and ideas on vital issues in the international relations of Asia to engage with leading academics and policymakers on these topics. Priority is given to student papers prepared for the foundation courses for the International Relations of Asia Specialization, the International Relations of Asia: the Policy Process or IR of Asia after WWII, although other student papers on the international relations of Asia are considered. Students in the course on the IR of Asia after WWII are playing a key role in developing the conference agenda and in leading conference activities.

Asian Studies Crisis Simulation Exercise (Fall 2010)

The purpose of the exercise is to give students the opportunity to practice diplomatic, negotiating, teamwork and public affairs skills in a fast-moving realistic simulation exercise. The scenario involves several national or organizational teams dealing with a potential international crisis in Asia. Each team will have a non-participating faculty advisor.

There are places for as many as 50 students in the exercise. A minimum of 25 is required. The exercise will be designed to minimize the advance preparation required of participants. Those who wish the experience must:

• commit to participate all day the Saturday that the simulation is run,
• attend a brief meeting about ten days before the exercise, and
• do some preparatory reading during the evening before the exercise.

The scenario for the exercise is developed with the help of two paid student Research Assistants (RAs) who then become members of the simulation's control group. Ideal RA candidates are students who have simulation experience, excellent research and writing skills, and imagination. These RAs will need to commit to work a couple hours a week from the beginning of the fall semester to the exercise to develop the scenario and make other preparations. Preference in selecting the RAs will be given to second-year M.A. and MIPP students. Students who wish to work as RAs on the exercise should contact Professor Carla Freeman at cfreema5@jhu.edu as early as possible.

Contact Professor Carla Freeman for further information: Rome 608, tel: 663-5890, e-mail: cfreema5@jhu.edu.