This workshop is aimed at postgraduate students in all disciplines with research interests relating to Africa. The workshop is organised by Lancaster University African Studies Group, and supported by the Department of European Languages and Cultures and Lancaster Environment Centre. The workshop will include presentations and group discussions around two main topics. Fieldwork in Africa: The morning session of the workshop will focus on fieldwork in Africa. We will explore the practicalities of preparing to undertake fieldwork in Africa, hear from speakers about their experiences of conducting fieldwork, and discuss how practical challenges can be overcome. Studying Africa from a distance The afternoon session will consider different ways of researching Africa without visiting the continent. The country you are researching may not be accessible, or your research interests may mean that there is no expectation that you will undertake fieldwork. So how can we best understand Africa from a distance? Programme: 11.00 Coffee and registration 11.15 Welcome and opening activity 11.30 Laura Fielding, Lancaster University – ‘Fieldwork in North East Africa’ 12.00 Discussion: Preparing for fieldwork 12.30 Lunch 13.00 Patricia Lund, Coventry University – ‘Fieldwork in Southern Africa’ 13.30 Discussion: Dealing with challenges encountered in the field 14.00 Coffee break 14.15 Charlotte Baker, Lancaster University – ‘Africa: Realities and Representations’ 14.45 Discussion: Understanding Africa from a distance 15.30 Close