How will the field of German be defined in the 21st Century? What will be its identity, if it is not national? What is the relationship between culture and literature? And what is the meaning of culture in a German Studies curriculum?

This conference aims to reassess the state of German Studies in the United States through the critical reflection of the concept of culture. From the function of culture as a system to the understanding of cultural difference to the modes and kinds of representation of German culture in the American classroom, it is the objective of the conference to address all areas of the study and teaching of German in the United States.

The meeting will provide a forum for the open discussion of controversial ideas, including questions pertaining to the future disciplinary identity of the field, the relationship between culture and literature, the role of German-Jewish and Film Studies in a German Studies curriculum, and the function of culture in the study of language.

In addition to reflecting on the concept of culture in relation to their own research, speakers will address recent developments in the field of German Studies as well as bring up questions of practical concern alongside the discussion of theoretical issues they regard as significant for the study of German in the U.S.

Besides the film festival, two other events will take place in conjunction with the conference: a German Studies Roundtable with German faculty from other Georgia universities and colleges, and a workshop for German high school teachers on Teaching Culture in the German Classroom. The conference and all related events are hosted by the Department of Germanic & Slavic Studies at the University of Georgia.