معرفی
Dr. Matthias Schaffrick is a Research Associate in the Collaborative Research Center (SFB 1472) “Transformations of the Popular” at the University of Siegen, affiliated with Faculty I and the Department of German Studies. He has been a long-standing member of the academic team under Prof. Dr. Niels Werber and is currently working in subproject A02 “Pop Aesthetics” led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Hecken.
- University: University of Siegen
- School: Faculty I
- Department: Department of German Studies
- Position: Research Associate
- Email: schaffrick@germanistik.uni-siegen.de
His research centers on the sociology and aesthetics of popularity, particularly through the lens of bestseller lists, rankings, and cultural hierarchies. Drawing on systems theory (Luhmann), he investigates how popularity is asserted, challenged, and transformed in literature and media. His work bridges literary studies, cultural theory, and media analysis.
The recent publications reflect a strong trend in analyzing the mechanisms of popularity—especially quantification (lists, charts) and resistance (underground, queer, subversive aesthetics). Articles explore figures like Rafael Horzon, historical texts like Rinaldo Rinaldini, and phenomena such as populist rhetoric and the language of pop. These works collectively contribute to a literary sociology of the popular, with a focus on German-speaking contexts.
Scientific Awards and Recognition:
- Doctoral scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (2010–2012)
Matthias Schaffrick has supervised no listed students but has been involved in significant research projects, including a DFG-funded project on “Scenarios of Post-Sovereignty” and active participation in the Young Researchers Network at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research (Bielefeld). He has co-taught seminars on popular culture and contemporary literature and is preparing a book on “Pop-Gegenkultur-Ästhetik” (2028). He is a core member of the research groups AG1 Theories of the Popular and CRG Lists, Rankings, Charts, contributing to interdisciplinary collaboration within the SFB.
He is actively engaged in research teams focusing on pop aesthetics, cultural rankings, and the assertion of popularity, with a planned major publication in 2028. His academic journey began at the University of Münster, and he continues to contribute to the evolving discourse on popular culture in literary studies.
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