The Professorship represents the subject of Modern German Literature from the early modern period to the present day. Its particular focus is on literature in intermedial and media-historical contexts. To support and further develop this focus, it has established the Center for Literature-related Media Analysis (ALM) and the Film Working Group (AG Film). The cultural studies profile particularly covers the areas of gender and queer studies, performativity, reception theory, and new historicism. A comparative approach to neighboring philologies is central to both research and teaching practice. In-depth studies on dandyism and gallantry are available. Another focus is religion in contemporary literature. The Professorship is a full member of the KU Center for Religion, Church and Society in Transformation in Research Field III – Religiosity in Contemporary Transformation Processes.

The Professorship is held by Prof. Dr. Isabelle Stauffer.