After Theory? Literary Studies today

Following the theory-driven era in which literary studies played a decisive role in shaping the intellectual landscape, a certain disillusionment has set in in recent years, along with a reflection on the discipline's own history and a broad pluralism of methods. At the same time, departments here and elsewhere are experiencing an increase in student enrolment. This evening, we will discuss the current state of literary studies, its future within the humanities, and the opportunities and challenges it faces.

Wolfgang Hottner, professor in Comparative Literature, UiB, will speak with three of the leading figures in the field who have influenced literary studies profoundly and provided new impetus in recent years: Karin Kukkonen, professor, Comparative Literature, UiO, Carlos Spoerhase, professor, Professor in German Literature, LMU München and Jill Walker Rettberg, professor, in Digital Culture, UiB.

This free event is organized by the research group for «Contemporary Aesthetics» at the University of Bergen (UiB).