The thematic area Literature in Context investigates the cultural and/or aesthetic aspects of language. The thematic area is primarily directed toward literary studies and literary didactics, and includes both theoretical and applied perspectives (applied here understood as the use of literary texts and other cultural expressions in language education). Fictional texts are central, both for children, adolescents and adults. Since language studies include considerable cultural components, such as area studies and intercultural aspects, contextual projects, covering i.e. so called real-world writings, life writings and non-fiction, are also of interest. Moreover, Literature in Context promotes studies of other cultural and aesthetic expressions, including for example film, games and genres that integrate text and visual expressions, such as graphic novels and comic books.
Some relevant research questions are:
- How can we increase the literary competence of pupils and students in (foreign) language learning?
- How can we use literary texts and other cultural expressions in (foreign) language education, in order to promote language learning, reading and writing development?
- How are current societal challenges (like migration, democratic decline, climate change) reflected in contemporary literature?
- How does the concept of a traditional national literature evolve in our globalized society, and how does that affect the development of language subjects in education?
- How can literary texts and other artistic expressions contribute to developing intercultural competence and knowledge of the target language country, both for pupils and students?
The description and research questions above are meant as guidelines and can be amended in consultation with researchers and research groups.