Area Studies Special Interest Group
11 MAY 2005 13.00 PM TO 16.30 PM
School of American and Canadian Studies, University of Birmingham

AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes from the last meeting of 17 January 2005.
3. Area Studies in Scotland
4. Area Studies events 2005-2006
5. Relationships between UKCASA and Subject Associations
6. AOB

In attendance
Dr John Canning (LLAS), Professor R J Ellis - chair (University of Birmingham) Dr Barbara Fennell (University of Aberdeen) Marie-Annick Gournet (University of the West of England)

1.	Apologies for absence
Apologies
Professor Tony Chafer (University of Portsmouth), Dr Jude Davies, (University College Winchester) Dr Michael Derham, (University of Northumbria), Professor Chris Flood (University of Surrey), Dr Susan Hodgett (University of Ulster), Professor David Shepherd (University of Sheffield)

2. Minutes from the last meeting of 17 January 2005. 
[These were distributed after the meeting and no comments have been received concerning them from those in attendance]

3. Area Studies in Scotland
The Subject Centre Advisory Group for Scotland would like to run an Area Studies event next academic year. BF as chair of this group asked the rest of group for their ideas about what this event may look like.

Ideas include:
-	Transationalism
-	Strategies for the defence of area studies
Discussion took place about languages-based/ non-language-based area studies. The possible role of practitioners teaching Scottish and Irish Studies was agreed to be important and it was felt that the event should focus on the Scottish educational (and political context) context and policy makers invited. Possible individuals that could be invited/ involved include Susan Manning, Sir Harold Walker, Susan Castillo and Bill Marshall.

BF suggested that the Carnegie Trust http://www.carnegie-trust.org/ may be a possible source of funding for area studies activities in Scotland.

ACTION: BF to liaise with Scottish Advisory Group and JC.

4. Area Studies events 2005-2006
Ideas for events were suggested and supported:

1.	An event of case studies of issues in different area studies. To date LLAS has sought ‘generic’ area studies papers, but it was suggested that an event with grounded case studies of issues different area studies would be very useful. ACTION JC

2.	In conjunction with UKCASA, it was proposed that LLAS run an event where people share experiences of positive aspects of area studies. Case studies could include how people have prevented department or course closures, increased funding or increased student numbers.

ACTION JC/ RJE to talk to Philip Davies (chair of UKCASA).

5. Relationships between UKCASA and Subject Associations
The possibility of supporting lectures/ session on teaching and learning at Subject Association conferences was supported by those present. 
JC to speak to LLAS colleagues

6. AOB 
 JC distributed an overview of current SC activity. (NB: The document is attached for those who were not present). 

7. The next meeting will be held in January 2006 (date and venue TBC).