Call for Papers: 2024 Atlantic Canada Studies Conference

The Canadian-American Center at the University of Maine invites proposals for the 2024 Atlantic Canada Studies Conference to be held at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine, USA on the weekend of May 10-12, 2024.

The theme of the conference is “The New Acadiensis School.” Approximately half a century ago, the Acadiensis School, with a focus on themes like underdevelopment, started advocating for Atlantic Canada as a region of study on par with others in the country. Subsequent generations of scholars have continued this mission. But what does or should a “new” Acadiensis School look like today? How can the voices and perspectives of the historically marginalized be incorporated, or continue to be incorporated, in new research about Atlantic Canada? What about the inclusion of spaces outside of Atlantic Canada but within the region, such as eastern Québec or eastern Maine? How can a relatively contained geographic region be integrated into larger national, international, or transnational processes without being lost amongst them? While many of these questions are not new, it is worthwhile to revisit the scope of Atlantic Canada and the goals for its study. Conference organizers invite proposals that engage with these open-ended themes on any level. As in previous ACS conferences, proposals that deal with any topic or theme and from any discipline focused on the study of the Atlantic Region will be considered.

The deadline for submission of proposals is December 15, 2023. Proposals can be in one of three modes: papers, panels, or roundtables. Individual paper proposal abstracts should be fewer than 250 words, and the author should include a one-page c.v. Panel proposals should include abstracts of fewer than 250 words and a one-page c.v. from each of the participants, plus a brief abstract for the panel as a whole. Being a less structured format, roundtable proposals (fewer than 250 words) should explain the roundtable topic as a whole, with a list of participants, and should include a one-page c.v. for each participant. While the selection of papers is rigorous, the ACS conference prides itself on bringing together internationally-recognized academics, junior scholars, students, and independent researchers in productive and collegial sessions.

Those submitting proposals should expect to hear back from conference organizers by the end of January 2024. A conference website, with online registration and accommodation and other information, will be launched about the same time.

Conference organizers will do their best to provide a hybrid format (mix of in-person and remote), if there is a demonstrated interest/need.

To submit proposals, please email them to: atlanticcanadastudies2024@gmail.com

For more information, please contact:
Mark J. McLaughlin
Associate Professor of History and Canadian Studies
University of Maine
mark.j.mclaughlin@maine.edu
(207) 581-2028