Thematic Areas
Aesthetics and mediality of communication
As a special system of communication, aesthetic and non-linguistic forms of expression represent a key part in the processes of cultural identity formation. Their examination contributes to grasping cultural dynamics, which are being reflected, fostered or also questioned and thus often modified by these forms of communication. To be able to describe these modifications and include them in the discussion of these dynamics, the Faculty interrelates and advances methods of cultural studies and established philological methods. In this way, the Faculty contributes to the methodological development of philological cultural studies that are able to respond to the current political, social and bioecological challenges, and thus endeavours to add to the range of approaches taken by literature studies and cultural studies. This is reflected in its participation in the emerging research paradigms such as ecocriticism, environmental and medical/health humanities, as well as cultural sustainability studies.
Systemic and functional dimensions of communication
The fundamental questions as to the form, structure, function and the teaching of languages represent the core of all linguistic disciplines at the Faculty, which comprise the languages of the world in both chronological and regional terms – from the major school languages, which are examined and taught with close links to perspectives of cultural studies particularly in teacher education, to ‘smaller’ languages that have often been, and continue to be, languages of ethnic minorities, particularly in multilingual contexts. The Faculty takes part in numerous research projects which study both European and non-European linguistic realities. In addition, basic research on the systemic properties of language is conducted at the Faculty.
Digitality
All academic disciplines are confronted with the new opportunities as well as challenges brought about by digital technologies and methodologies. Regarding research strategies, in this cross-sectional thematic area the Faculty focuses on establishing digital forms as subjects of research in cultural studies and in teacher education. It thus takes a meta-perspective which does not regard digital data as a simple alternative to analogous data, but aims to display their specific cultural logics, which also includes the consequences of the implementation of artificial intelligence. The key question concerns the impact of digital media on cultural processes viewed from a dual perspective: the question as to the specifics of (post-)digital culture and the specifics of (post-)digital cultural studies. The Faculty closely cooperates with the Austrian Centre for Digital Humanities and Cultural Heritage (ACDH-CH) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW).
European and global cultures and identities
In this context, cultures and identities are not referred to in an ontological sense – for instance, as predetermined forms of being – but rather as cultural constructions. They are studied at both individual and collective levels, in specific manifestations such as social roles, as well as in relation to categories such as nationality, ethnicity or religion. However, the focus is not only on the effects of these constructions but also on the media that have contributed to them. Among these, language and aesthetic communication play a key role. The corresponding research thus covers, for instance, the consequences of colonialism, exploitation and oppression (disadvantages due to categories of difference resulting from culturalist constructions), the transformation of political systems, and especially global challenges, which are currently being discussed in the contexts of climate, global justice, democracy and education.
