About KulturPoetik

KulturPoetik is a forum for the study of literature from different cultural and historical perspectives. It pertains to both the cultural aspects of literature and the literary aspects of culture.

KulturPoetik regards literature as a part of culture as a whole. It explores the role of literature in how cultural contexts are formed and transformed, asking questions such as the following: how does literature shape modes of perception and experience, how does it adapt modes of expression to changing demands in the history of mentalities and ideas, and how does it construct models of reality? How does it integrate and popularise discourses of knowledge? KulturPoetik is also concerned with how literature represents and produces knowledge, and how it articulates and tackles problems within a broader framework of intellectual history. Furthermore, the journal deals with aesthetic means of representation such as literary forms and symbols and asks how they are employed in other codes and systems, for example science, popular media or every-day communication. In short: KulturPoetik explores both the importance of literature in shaping and transforming different aspects of culture, and the inverse relevance of culture towards literature.

In order to understand these reciprocities and the role of literature in its cultural context properly, it is necessary to give literature its own independent voice within the context of scientific or scholarly codes, cultural techniques and the media. Therefore, KulturPoetik is primarily a journal for literary studies.

This does not mean, however, that we accept only contributions on works of literature. We also welcome context-oriented approaches that investigate cultural, historical, political or media-related constellations in which literature plays a part. Generally spoken, we appreciate the diversity of approaches to cultural and literary studies.

Valuing a wide range of methodological approaches also implies a broad concept of literature which includes not only canonical works but also lesser-known and factual texts, popular fiction and technical works. However, we always invite contributions on ‘high’, artistic literature as these works have established cultural realities and can challenge academic work in unique and interesting ways.

For more information on areas of focus, sections and selection criteria, see „Contributions„.