Martin Lang

Martin Lang is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College, with affiliations in Film and Media Studies and Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. His work bridges media, culture, and social justice, grounded in critical theory and community engagement.

His educational background includes a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College and both M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

Lang’s research and teaching focus on how media shapes identity, power, and social dynamics. He explores themes such as gender, race, masculinity, and Whiteness through the lenses of cultural studies, rhetoric, and poststructuralism. His pedagogy emphasizes community-based action and learning, partnering with organizations like the Nicollet County Historical Society, Special Olympics, and La Union to address real-world issues through media projects.

His courses, such as Stories That Shape Us, Media/Culture/Power, and Communication and Gender, reflect his interdisciplinary approach. He has led international programs in India, Fiji, and New Zealand, focusing on indigenous cultures, colonialism, and social justice.

• President's Civic Engagement Steward Award (2019)

Lang actively collaborates with community partners on documentary films that spark dialogue on racial equity, immigration, and environmental issues. He contributes to the nationally recognized Public Discourse program, enhancing students’ civic engagement and communication skills. Though specific grants are not listed, his work is clearly supported by experiential learning frameworks and institutional recognition.

He leads or participates in interdisciplinary teams across Film and Media Studies and Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, and his international teaching programs suggest strong collaborative networks abroad.