معرفی
PD Dr. Silvan Wagner is a Lecturer and researcher at the Chair of German Medieval Studies within the Faculty of Linguistics and Literature at the University of Bayreuth. Having completed his habilitation in 2013 with the thesis "Erzählen im Raum: die Erzeugung virtueller Räume im Erzählakt höfischer Epik," he has established himself as a specialist in medieval German literature, particularly courtly narratives and short epics. His academic journey began with studies in Germanistics and Protestant theology at Bayreuth (1999-2005), followed by a doctorate on "Images of God in Late Medieval Tales" (2005-2007).
Wagner's research interests span historical narratology, courtly lay theology, medieval fairy tale poetry, narrative structures, and historically informed performance practice of Minnesang and epic literature. His scholarly approach uniquely bridges philological rigor with performance-oriented analysis, reflecting his parallel career as a professional mandolinist (with the Aramis Quartet) and theater artist. His work demonstrates particular strength in analyzing virtual spaces in narrative, wine culture in medieval literature, and the intersection of text and performance.
Wagner has received significant recognition for his innovative teaching methods, including the University of Chemnitz's Teaching Prize for Innovative Teaching (2022), the SpLit Student Council Teaching Prize (2022), and the Bayreuth University Prize for Digital Teaching (2018). His recent publications reveal a sustained focus on medieval short narrative forms, wine culture in urban literature, Arthurian adaptations in popular culture, and the relationship between text and performance in medieval contexts.
Among his notable achievements are founding and chairing the academic society 'Brevitas' for the study of pre-modern short epics, membership in the DFG network 'Things in Medieval Literature,' and associate membership in the DFG network 'Imitation: Mechanisms of a Cultural Principle in the Middle Ages.' His editorial work, particularly on Hans Rosenplüt's wine greetings and medieval didactic literature, has significantly contributed to the field.
Wagner maintains an active dual career, combining rigorous academic scholarship with creative practice as a composer, concert musician, actor, and director (TG Bumerang/Lichtenfels). This interdisciplinary approach informs his distinctive perspective on medieval literature and performance, making him a unique voice in contemporary medieval studies.
