Central Asia Workshop FAQ

For the purposes of the Workshop, how is Central Asian Studies defined?  

We will consider papers that address the region, broadly defined: this includes the Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union, Afghanistan, Xinjiang, as well as the connections between Central Asia and Iran, Turkey, the Caucasus, and the Russian Federation. We do not require a specific disciplinary or methodological orientation, but welcome papers from across the humanities and social sciences, with either a contemporary or historical focus.  

Who is eligible to apply? 

CAW participation is open to advanced graduate students and junior scholars in the humanities and social sciences. Advanced graduate students must be advanced to candidacy, according to the US system, or in the second or third year of a doctoral program in a non-US system. Scholars with PhDs and junior faculty must be no more than five years beyond the degree. Students in terminal master’s programs are not eligible to apply.  Applicants from anywhere in the world are eligible to apply, but those located in Central Asia (the Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union and neighboring countries) are especially encouraged and will be prioritized in the selection process.  

Does the Workshop accept papers written by multiple authors? 

No, only single-author papers will be considered. 

Should I submit a bibliography with my application? 

No, only the first three pages of the proposed paper should be submitted, without any bibliography. 

How long do papers submitted by selected participants tend to be? 

Papers eventually submitted by selected applicants tend to be 20-25 pages in total. 

Can I submit a paper recently submitted to a journal? 

We recommend against submitting a paper that has already been submitted to a journal because the intention of the Workshop is for participants to gain feedback on writing which is in a more generative stage and will benefit substantially from engagement with others. 

What costs are covered for Workshop participants? 

Round-trip air travel from the international airport closest to the participant’s home city to the site of the Workshop will be covered for all participants based in the region. Participants from outside the region may be asked to secure additional funds to support their air travel. Hotel accommodations and meals will be covered for the duration of the Workshop. 

Can participants bring spouses, children, or other dependents? 

Bringing spouses or other dependents is discouraged. The CAW is an intensive engagement and participants are required to attend all scheduled events. Participants will be housed in shared accommodations, and costs relating to travel, meals, or accommodations for spouses and other dependents will not be covered. 

How is the CAW structured? 

Selected applicants will submit their full papers for pre-circulation among the participants and discussants in advance of the Workshop. All participants are required to read the papers before coming to the Workshop. During the Workshop, each participant is allotted a few minutes to introduce the main ideas of their paper before the floor is opened for other participants and discussants to ask questions and comment on the paper. 

What items are needed for the application?

1. First (Given) Name
2. Last (Family) Name
3. Email Address
4. Phone number
5. Current University
6. University Department
7. University Country
8. Current Academic Status
9. When did you begin your PhD program?
10. When did you complete or expect to complete your PhD program?
11. Field of Study
12. What is the highest degree you have earned (i.e., the highest degree which you have fully completed to date)?
13. Proposed Paper Title:
    Please provide the title of the paper you propose to present at the CAW.
14. Proposed Paper Abstract:
    Please provide an abstract of no more than 1,000 characters (spaces included).
15. Principal Country or Region of Focus Discussed in Paper:
    List as many as are relevant.

16. Upload the First Three Pages of Proposed Paper:

    Uploaded pages must be formatted as follows:
    - PDF file no larger than 5 MB
    - Times New Roman, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, 1-inch margins with page numbers
    - Do NOT include any identifying information, such as your name, email, institution, etc. Only include the proposed talk title and content.
    - Do NOT include the paper abstract in these pages.

17. Upload Current CV
    
    Uploaded CVs must be formatted as follows:
    - PDF file no larger than 5 MB
    - Maximum one page
    - Include ONLY educational qualifications (with dates for enrollment and awarded degrees), publications, and presentations.