Congress 2012
Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo co-host

Some of the most original and critical minds from Canada and abroad will be here in Waterloo for Congress 2012. The largest multidisciplinary academic gathering in Canada, the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences draws delegates from every province and territory and from around the world. Organized by the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences (CFHSS), and hosted by a different institution each year, Congress could be described as a meeting of meetings: a critical mass of some 8,000 scholars and graduate students, practitioners and policy makers, who come together to share ideas and debate, to enrich their research and its contribution to society.

Delegates gather under the aegis of more than 70 scholarly associations representing a rich spectrum of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. From theatre, literature, and education, to history, sociology, and political sciences, Congress represents a unique showcase of scholarly excellence, creativity, and leadership.

Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo are jointly hosting Congress from May 26 to June 2, 2012 with meetings, presentations and public events taking place at both campuses. Doug Peers, Dean of Arts, is co-chair of Congress and James Skidmore (chair Germanic and Slavic Studies) is the academic convenor for this university.

Given a theme each year, Congress  2012 is titled Crossroads: Scholarship for an Uncertain World emphasizing the intersection of knowledge that is the hallmark of the humanities and social sciences. This theme also acknowledges the uncertainties of our present age and the rapid transformations that are challenging our society, our environment, and our understanding of humanity. With perspectives from across the disciplines, Congress can help shape the future by providing an ideal forum for critical dialogue and debate about our changing globalised world.

Many Congress events will be open to the public, including the Big Thinking lecture series. Discussing concepts of equality, diversity and environmental change facing Canada and the world, the Big Thinking confirmed speakers will be announced at a special Congress curtain raiser on November 10th at the Communitech Hub in Kitchener. For details on this upcoming event, contact cevans [at] fedcan [dot] ca (Charlotte Evans) of the CFHSS.

With hundreds of talks, presentations and meetings taking place at the two universities over one week, Congress 2012 promises to be a series extraordinary conversations about issues that affect us all -- and the Faculty of Arts encourages community members to watch for programming details and plan to attend a variety open events.

Read the Daily Bulletin story, Arts dean calls 2012 Congress 'spectacular' 

Read what Congress co-chairs say about the theme of 'Crossroads'

www.congress2012.ca