Svend Erik Larsen

Svend Erik Larsen is a Professor of Comparative Literature at Aarhus University since 1998. He previously held academic positions at Southern Danish University, including roles as Full Professor (1997) and Associate Professor (1976-1997). He earned his PhD in Linguistics and Semiotics from Aarhus University in 1974 and an MA in Scandinavian Studies from Aarhus University in 1974. His career spans roles as Center Director at the Danish Research Council of the Humanities (1992-1997) and active participation in academic leadership as a board member of international doctoral schools and the International Comparative Literature Association.

• Education: MA in Scandinavian Studies (Aarhus University, 1974), PhD in Linguistics and Semiotics (Aarhus University, 1974)

His research focuses on semiotics, literature and urban studies, literary theory, literature and history of ideas, and literary historiography. He has authored/co-authored 10 books, 350+ articles, and edited anthologies, with notable works including Fortælleteori (1975), Sémiologie littéraire (1984), and Signs in Use (2002). His research integrates urban realities into literary analysis, exemplified by studies on Honoré de Balzac and books like I byen med Balzac (2002).

Svend Erik Larsen has received the Fyens Stiftstidendes Forskerpris (1989) and held leadership roles in Danish academic councils, including Vice-President of the Danish Research Council for Culture and Communication (2009-present). He has co-edited the journal Orbis Litterarum since 2008 and contributed to Danish high school literary education through the textbook LitteraturDK (2009).