An international conference to re-conceptualize the discipline of Canadian History

17 – 18 May 2007

Venue:
17 May – Institute for the Study of the Americas
18 May – Canada House, Trafalgar Square

The aim of this conference is to encourage thought about the future direction of Canadian history. Since the 1970s Canadian historians have been absorbed in a debate over the relative merits of political and social history. The debate pits those who fear that Canadian history has become too narrowly self-referential in its focus on social history against those who champion the possibilities of social history and its detailed micro-studies of minorities and the underprivileged. The work of up-and-coming scholars, however, suggests that new perspectives are emerging.

This conference brings together eleven ‘early career’ Canadian historians who have concrete suggestions about ways the discipline can be opened up to different debates.

We invite all those interested in the reshaping of Canadian history to attend the conference and take part in this process. We are especially keen to have the conversation that takes place during the conference play a significant role in reshaping the presenters’ papers as the authors revise their work for publication in an edited collection.

Speakers include:
Michael Dawson, St Thomas University
Michel Ducharme, University of British Columbia
Christopher Dummitt, Institute for the Study of the Americas
Magda Fahrni, Université de Québec à Montreal
Catherine Gidney, University of Waterloo
Steven High, Canada Research Chair, Concordia University
Steven Penfold, University of Toronto
Adele Perry, Canada Research Chair, University of Manitoba
Katie Pickles, University of Canterbury
Jeffrey McNairn, Canada Research Chair, Queen’s University
Andrew Smith, Institute of Historical Research, University of London