Germanics under construction

This anthology delves into the complexities of a discipline situated within a specific hermeneutic environment, examining the study of national culture in a "foreign" context. The themes discussed are not exclusive to "Germanistik" in North America, as the title and contributors might imply. Instead, these issues resonate across various forms of "Auslandsgermanistik" and are pertinent to the study and teaching of any "foreign language and literature," given the shared environments and conditions. The volume provides essential insights for those engaged in this academic field, featuring contributions that address a range of topics. These include interdisciplinary and intercultural studies, the concept of non-reciprocity in intercultural contexts, foreign language literacy as a positional practice, and the relevance of exile studies. Other discussions cover applied linguistics, the intersection of German culture with popular media, and the ideological implications of language. The anthology also explores contemporary quests for cultural meaning, the impact of student exchange programs on interculturality, and the integration of languages for special purposes in academic curricula. Overall, the collection serves as a valuable resource for scholars and educators navigating the evolving landscape of German studies.