Josef Raab

Prof. Dr. Josef Raab (1958–2019) was Chair of American Literary and Media Studies at the University of Duisburg-Essen. A pioneer in Inter-American Studies, he shaped debates on ethnicity, borderlands, and cultural hybridity. His research encompassed U.S. Latina/o literature, American film/TV representation, and transnational identity politics.

• Education: Ph.D. (USC, 1993), Habilitation (Eichstätt, 2000)
• Roles: Full Professor (2004–2019), Founding President of International Association of Inter-American Studies (2009–2019)

Research interests included Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Toni Morrison, and inter-American cultural relations. Key projects: City Scripts research group, Inter-American Studies book series, and conferences on urban studies, ethnicity, and transnationalism.

Awarded Fulbright Fellowships, teaching excellence honors, and grants for interdisciplinary projects. Authored/co-edited over 30 books and 80+ articles. Mentored generations of students as a compassionate educator and mentor.

Legacy includes advancing inter-American scholarship, fostering academic networks, and advocating for marginalized voices in cultural studies. Survived by his widow and colleagues who continue his mission.