Students have the opportunity to enrich their experience at
the Hopkins-Nanjing Center (HNC) through extra-curricular interest groups,
which range from the creative to the athletic to the thought-provoking. Here’s
an introduction to just a few of this year’s groups.
Philosophy Interest Group: Led by American Co-director
Adam Webb and Professor Thomas Simon, the Philosophy Interest Group meets every
Sunday evening to discuss engaging and sometimes controversial topics.
Promoting the free exchange of ideas between students of different cultures,
the group benefits from the freedom of academic expression that defines the
HNC. So far, this year’s topics have included political violence, the sexual
revolution, nationalism, and quarter-life crises.
Moot Court Teams: The HNC fields four moot court
teams—Jessup International Public Law, Price Media Law, VIS International
Commercial Arbitration, and International Humanitarian Law. Each team, advised
by either Professor Simon or Professor Roda Mushkat, is presented with a case
problem, which they research and either present a solution or argue in favor of
a particular decision. Teams participate in competitions in cities all over the
world.
Student Band: The student band performs several times
throughout the year, such as at the Halloween Party. This year, six students
are in the band, on vocals, drums, electric and acoustic guitar, and bass. Besides
performances at HNC events, the band plans to play a few gigs at bars near
campus.
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| Members of the student band practice their set for the HNC Halloween Party. |
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| The live performance! |
Volunteer Teaching: Every Friday afternoon, a group
of students travels to a nearby elementary school to teach English to third
grade classes. Three to five students work with each class of thirty, helping
out with basic topics in English like colors and animals. Though the third
graders can be a little rowdy so close to the weekend, the volunteering
experience is a rewarding way to interact with the community.
Badminton Team: The badminton team meets once a week
on the Nanjing University courts to practice. The team consists of about twenty
players, including Professors Simon and Paul Armstrong-Taylor, who help to
organize the group. Each year about fifty students participate in the two badminton
tournaments, one in the fall and one in the spring.
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While each semester's badminton tournament is open to all,
the regular members play every Sunday.
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Written by Amanda Walencewicz, HNC Certificate '20
