Carleton University’s Institute of African Studies hosted the 43rd Canadian Association of African Studies Annual Conference from May 1-3, 2013. Academics from a variety of backgrounds shared their papers on this year’s theme Africa Communicating: Digital Technologies, Representation, Power.
African Studies encourages inter-disciplinary work
Participants praised presentations and round-table discussions on diverse topics as an excellent opportunity to come together and share knowledge. The CAAS Conference also overlapped with the Canadian Association for 
Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CALACS) Conference and a few sessions were cross-listed so attendees from both conferences were able to share their expertise.
Student involvement
You can get involved at Carleton as an undergraduate or graduate student with conferences like CAAS or CALACS as a volunteer. Previous volunteers say volunteering gave them invaluable exposure to discussion with academics, government analysts, and international development practitioners.
“Volunteering at the CAAS annual conference was an enjoyable and academically enriching experience. The research presented at the conference was very interesting, and often related to and built on concepts I have learned about in my past three years at Carleton. As an undergrad who is currently looking at options for graduate studies, CAAS provided me valuable exposure to the world of academia. Overall, CAAS was a very worthwhile volunteer opportunity for me, and I feel as though I learned a lot during the event.”
–Chelsea Ruiter, 4th year, Political Science with a minor in African Studies and History
For footage of portions of the CAAS Conference, visit http://www2.carleton.ca/africanstudies/events/caas-2013/caas-acea-conference-audiovisuel/
By Heather McAlister