Latin American, North American and Inter-American Studies in Germany

Abstract

This article deals with the development of research and teaching on the Americas in Germany since the beginning of the 20 th century. A remark on the terms used in Germany seems necessary: The German terms Amerikanistik and Amerikastudien (American Studies) are used to refer to the United States and Canada. The university discipline Amerikanistik sees itself as a philology dealing with the language and culture of the United States of America. American Studies, on the other hand, also deals with the history, politics, society and culture of the United States (and to a lesser extent Canada) from an interdisciplinary perspective. Approaches relating to the entire American continent are referred to as Inter-American Studies. They exist as a subject of study only at one German university (Bielefeld). However, since the beginning of the 21 st century, an examination of the Americas that goes beyond traditional geographical divisions in research and teaching has also taken place within the framework of Transregional Studies, Global History and Atlantic Studies, which, however, are not limited to a preoccupation with the Americas. 2 The article first describes the state of research on Latin American Studies, American Studies, and Inter-American Studies in Germany. On this basis, I will outline central lines of development in the three areas, referring also to important institutes, research institutions, journals and professional associations.