This interdisciplinary lecture series offers a variety of historical, political, ethnographic as well as literary perspectives on contemporary events and topics from the neighbouring North American countries that meet at the 49th parallel: Canada and the United States. Scholars from North America as well as Germany will take a critical look at issues ranging from women’s empowerment and leadership in the U.S, slavery in Canada and the US, and multi-ethnic literature. Additionally, lectures and readings from French and English-speaking writers from Canada will provide a literary highlight in this series.