American Studies - 118: Cultural Interactions

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This volume commemorates the 50th anniversary of the German Association of American Studies, reflecting five decades of academic scholarship in Germany. It arrives at a pivotal moment in transatlantic relations, following the Cold War and amidst a shift in American cultural politics in a globalizing world. The first section recounts the origins of American Studies post-war, detailing how returnees and local scholars from various disciplines began to shape the field, as captured by Ursula Brumm and Reinhard Doerries. The second section explores moral and political dimensions of globalization, with Seyla Benhabib invoking Kant and Arendt to discuss transatlantic negotiations of hospitality and sovereignty. Erna Brodber highlights the Caribbean cultural space influenced by Marcus Garvey, while Michael Kammen examines the interplay between history and related fields in American Studies. Workshops focused on moving beyond Old World traditions to establish a German perspective, addressing topics such as the Frankfurt School's influence, American hegemony, immigration policies, and the effects of American popular culture. This collection showcases a diverse range of research interests and practices in American Studies in Germany, featuring contributors like Ilka Saal, Ulf Schulenburg, and others.