معرفی
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Walter Erhart is a full Professor of German Literary Studies at the Faculty of Linguistics and Literature, University of Bielefeld. He has been a central figure in interdisciplinary humanities research, particularly through his leadership in the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center 1288 'Practices of Comparison. Ordering and Changing the World', where he served as Deputy Speaker from 2017 to 2024 and led Subproject D04 on 'Global Comparison and Global Knowledge'. He is also affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Center for Gender Studies (IZG) and contributes to the BiSEd network in literary studies.
- Faculty: Faculty of Linguistics and Literature
- Department: Germanistische Literaturwissenschaft
- Office: UHG D4-120
- Phone: +49 521 106-3514
- Secretariat Contact: +49 521 106-2506
Walter Erhart's research centers on German literature from the 18th and 19th centuries, with a strong emphasis on the social and epistemological dimensions of literary production. His work explores the intersections of literature, gender, and knowledge formation, particularly through ethnographic and travel literature between 1850 and 1950. He has made significant contributions to the social history of German literature and the construction of modern masculinity, as seen in his habilitation thesis 'Familienmänner: Über den literarischen Ursprung moderner Männlichkeit'.
His editorial leadership as Editor-in-Chief (2010–2022) and co-editor of the International Archive for the Social History of German Literature underscores his influence in the field. While no recent publications are listed in the provided text, his long-standing involvement in major research initiatives and editorial roles indicates a sustained scholarly trajectory focused on comparative practices, interdisciplinary knowledge production, and literary historiography.
Notable scientific awards and honors include an honorary doctorate from the University of Debrecen (2024), multiple Max Kade Visiting Professorships in the USA, and a Paul-Celan-Fellowship. These reflect his international recognition and academic excellence.
- Dr. h.c., University of Debrecen (2024)
- Max Kade Distinguished Visiting Professor (2015, 2003)
- Paul-Celan-Fellowship (2009)
- Distinguished Visiting Professor, Washington University (2000)
Erhart has held numerous leadership and advisory roles, including Deputy Speaker of the DFG Graduate College 'Gender as Experience' since 2021, membership on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF) at Bielefeld (2010–2021), and elected membership in the DFG's Literature Committee (2008–2016), where he served as Deputy Chair. He has also contributed to academic governance through membership in international advisory boards at Göttingen and Berlin. These roles highlight his sustained impact on research policy and mentorship in the humanities. Although specific grants are not detailed, his leadership in large-scale, third-party funded projects like SFB 1288 indicates successful grant acquisition and project management.
He is actively involved in institutional research networks, particularly the Interdisciplinary Center for Gender Studies (IZG) and the SFB 1288, where he leads Subproject D04. His work fosters collaboration across literature, history, and gender studies, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue at both national and international levels.