The official launch of Carleton’s Institute of African Studies in fall 2009 by the Faculty of Public Affairs (FPA) and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) will build upon the strength of one of the largest concentrations of Africanist scholars in Canada.
Enhancing the interdisciplinary work of teachers and researchers, the institute will also build upon existing academic exchange partnerships with universities in Africa, and provide a range of Africa-related activities: an annual conference, occasional speaker’s series, and a forum for communication and information sharing via a website and listserve.
Activities are already being phased in, including two introductory courses for the Bachelor of Arts (combined honours) degree or a minor in African studies and an ongoing seminar series. The deans of FASS and FPA, together with Carleton International, have provided three years of funding to bring an annual visiting scholar from an African university to Carleton. Now in its third year—with a view to being made permanent—the visiting scholar program welcomes Amos Mhina from the University of Dar es Salaam.
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