Karin A. Wurst

Karin A. Wurst is a Professor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures at Michigan State University’s College of Arts and Letters. Her work focuses on German literature, cultural studies, gender studies, and feminist theory, particularly in the context of 17th-18th century Germany and J.M.R. Lenz’s legacy.

• Ph.D. in German Literature from Ohio State University

Her research explores narrative strategies, cultural consumption, material culture, and the representation of family and gender in 18th-century Germany. She has authored and edited significant works on J.M.R. Lenz, women’s drama, and cultural studies, and her writings have appeared in journals such as German Quarterly and German Studies Review. Her teaching interests include literary and cultural theories, feminist theory, women’s literature, and material culture.

As an administrator, she served as Dean of the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University from 2006 to 2014. Currently, she acts as Special Advisor to the Provost on Intercultural Learning and Student Engagement. Her publications include books like Das Schlaraffenland verwilderter Ideen (2014) and Fabricating Pleasure (2005), as well as edited collections on Eleonore Thon and J.M.R. Lenz.