We research the history of literature. We specialise in the early modern period, the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Classical Modernism.
Since a meaningful historical examination of literary texts can only be achieved through interdisciplinary openness, our philological research always has an eye on history, philosophy, theology, psychology, music, fine arts and the new media.
We understand the history of German literature as a complex process that has always been characterised by openness to other cultures. This is why we are highly committed to transnational and intercultural exchange in research and teaching.
We take academically sound teaching and the educational mission that underpins it very seriously, as we believe that an analytical yet emphatic examination of literary texts from different periods is an effective means of countering populism, fake news and discriminatory generalisations.
In times of the one-sided economisation of education and culture, we also see our work as a contribution to promoting intellectual curiosity, the development of individual personalities and cultural diversity.
To ensure that knowledge does not lack visualisation, we are committed to scenic presentation.
