German Studies Association (GSA); Philipp Lenhard (University of Munich) and Andree Michaelis (European University Viadrina, Frankfurt/Oder)

Venue: San Diego, CA
Time: 29.09.-02.10.2016
Proposals by: 28.01.2016

This interdisciplinary seminar contributes to the newly emerging field of friendship studies. The intention is to bring scholars from various fields (cultural theory, German literature, Jewish and German history) together in order to jointly discuss the significance of friendship as a key element in German cultural history. Special emphasis will be put on German-Jewish history as its inclusion helps to broaden and diversify the perspective.

The seminar’s primary goal is to track the continuities and changes in both the practice and the theory of friendship from the 18th to the 20th century, while paying attention to the specific historical, sociopolitical and cultural contexts of any individual constellation. Furthermore, the social status, gender identity, and religious affiliation of the friends must be taken into special consideration, asking how all three relate to the theoretical and political significance of friendship. Read more and source … (Web)