Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR)

Year of Algeria: Postgraduate workshop

A postgraduate workshop at the University of Portsmouth, organised by the Francophone Research Group (Centre for European and International Studies Research).

Doing research on and in Algeria: methodologies, research agendas, practical issues
Wednesday 2 May 2012

In a broad range of academic disciplines, from French Studies and Cultural Studies through to Politics, History and International Relations, Algeria has become a real focus of study at MA, DPhil and PhD level. Taking as our starting point this growing scholarly interest amongst postgraduate and professional researchers alike, this workshop will reflect upon the diverse methodologies that can be used to study Algerian history, politics, society and culture, as well as the practical issues involved in researching Algeria. Within a broad context, this workshop will also examine the numerous, often overlapping, research agendas which form the foundation for academic studies on Algeria. 

The study day will begin with a keynote introduction by Dr Natalya Vince. Based on her extensive experience, Dr. Vince will discuss practical aspects of conducting fieldwork in Algeria, offering advice which will be equally valuable for postgraduates nearing the end of their studies, those somewhere in the middle, and those just embarking upon – or even considering doing – a PhD on Algeria. The study day will conclude with a roundtable discussion led by Professor Martin Evans, author of numerous works of Algerian history, including Algeria: France’s Undeclared War (OUP, 2012).

The workshop will also provide the opportunity for postgraduate researchers to consider their own research and receive feedback from fellow postgraduates and experts in the field.