Aesthetics and their political functions

The core research areas of the Chair of Media Studies and Modern German Literature are derived from the research interests of Prof. Dr. Lars Koch and his staff. Cultural-theoretically motivated questions about the aesthetics and political functions of literature, popular media and the modern arts play a central role.

An initial focus of the research is on aesthetics and theories as well as the social functions of popular media such as film and TV series, but is also dedicated to theater and the audiovisual arts. The central research questions are directed at their cultural dynamics within contemporary society and have strong points of contact with cultural theory and cultural studies emotion research.

The second pillar of the Chair results from an intense interest in modern German (and international) literature, whereby here too the focus is primarily on cultural-narratological research questions. The basic research assumption is that literature is a central medium for observing, reflecting on and shaping the transformation processes of society.

Overall, the research work in the context of the Chair of Media Studies and Modern German Literature aims to develop and test theoretical tools based on the research material in relation to the problems under discussion. By establishing a primacy of the object of investigation, a broad space for interdisciplinary cooperation is opened up. How these basic assumptions are implemented in practical work can be illustrated by the work of the ERC Starting Grant research group "The Principle of Disruption. A Figure Reflecting Complex Societies".