Spotlight on Canada: New Research Network at the University of Mannheim

Press release from 15 October 2025
Print version (pdf)

While the United States undergoes profound political and cultural change, Canada is strengthening its ties with Europe. Responding to this renewed transatlantic orientation, the newly established CanadaForum at the University of Mannheim brings together researchers to focus on Canada from an interdisciplinary perspective. The network highlights research on Canadian language and literature, history, society, multiculturalism, and Indigenous studies. The official launch will take place on 6 November at the University of Mannheim with a one-day kick-off event.

“Canada still lacks a defined place within the German academic landscape – which makes it all the more important to raise its visibility from an interdisciplinary angle,” says Professor Stefanie Schäfer, a specialist in American Studies, who co-founded the network together with Dr. Antonia Purk. “There is still much room for growth – both among students and within Mannheim’s wider community – when it comes to knowledge of Canadian culture and history. That’s something we want to change,” Schäfer adds.

During the workshops on 6 November, the organizers, together with invited guests, will address key debates surrounding Canada’s history, contemporary culture, and colonial entanglements.

The forum will open with a guest lecture by Professor Myra Bloom, Ph.D. (York University, Toronto), titled “Canadian Literature and the Culture of Confession.” Other presentations include Nicole Königsknecht (Zurich) on Indigenous literatures and Professor Charlotte Lerg (LMU Munich), who will speak on writing and teaching Canadian history in her presentation “Gefundene Erzählungen und mächtige Mythen” (“Found Narratives and Powerful Myths”). Dr. Michael Fleig (University of Regensburg) will discuss the role of the media in the ‘Truth and Reconciliation Process’ in contemporary Canada.

The event will be held in Schloss Ost, lecture hall SO 418 (Bahnhofsturm, 4th floor) and is open to the public. 

Further information and the full program are available here (PDF).

The CanadaForum network is a collaboration between the universities of Mannheim, Trier, Saarbrücken, and Mainz/Germersheim.

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Stefanie Schäfer
Chair of American Literary and Cultural Studies, AIII
American Literary and Cultural Studies
University of Mannheim
Phone: 0621 181-2361
E-mail: stefanie.schaefermail-uni-mannheim.de 

Yvonne Kaul
Research communication
University of Mannheim
E-mail: kaulmail-uni-mannheim.de