Call for Proposals: The GSA Fiftieth Anniversary Issue
German Studies Review is inviting contributions to a special issue on the 50th anniversary of the German Studies Association (GSA). We are looking for reflections both on the history and the future of German Studies in North America. The issue is asking: How has the study of German literature, culture, politics, and history shaped the intellectual landscape in the US and in Canada? Which future developments and changes can we see?
Contributions may address the following questions:
- How does the study of literature, art, philosophy, and history of German-speaking countries diversify and enrich the cultural debates in the US and in Canada? Which trends and transformations has the discipline seen over the past decade and what does this tell us about its future?
- Which impact does German Studies have on higher education or international relations? What is the place for the study of German politics, history, and culture in a world marked by old and new international cooperations and diplomatic affiliations?
- How have German scholars, filmmakers, writers, and philosophers responded to challenges from political extremes on the left or the right? How does this resonate in contemporary American culture? What can German Studies contribute to the ongoing debates concerning new forms of extremism and ideological partisanship?
- Where is the field headed as technologies and services offer new linguistic competencies and generative artificial intelligence is changing the way we teach and conduct research?
- In which ways does the German Studies Association shape the discipline? Which role does the institution play in fostering networks and careers? How did the GSA influence your own career trajectory?
We are looking for scholarly reflections from all ranks and all backgrounds: graduate students, postdocs, instructors, adjunct faculty, independent scholars, and professors are invited to share their thoughts. Please submit contributions of up to 1000 words and a short bio statement to Katharina Gerstenberger (editor@thegsa.org) by August 15, 2025. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by December 1, 2025. The special issue will come out in October 2026 (GSR 49.3).
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions.