German Research

Alice
German Research MPhil/PhD, option of joint PhD with Stuttgart/Sorbonne or Humboldt University
Under the supervision of Professors Erica Carter and Ginette Vincendeau, my research focuses on transnational popular cinema and its limitations, and my thesis investigates the reception of Hollywood cinema in Europe.

My particular interest is in how the romantic comedy genre, which targets female audiences throughout the world on the premise that they form a homogeneous spectator category, is received in three different European countries. Through an examination of critical and audience reception of romantic-comedy films, I seek to investigate how and to what extent discrepancies in reception can be explained by national differences.

In particular, my project seeks to investigate how the notion of femininity enshrined in globally distributed American romantic comedies ‘translates’ to other national audiences. King’s high academic profile and dynamic role within the European research community makes it the ideal place to pursue my research.

Thanks to the College’s numerous links with partner institutions around the world, I will be able to pursue field work in both Germany and France in my second year. Moreover, King’s unique location at the heart of London makes it an ideal place for film students, with easy access to the multiple cinemas of the West End, and the British Film Institute and its library.

The academic and financial support I have received from the College has been incredible. I am the fortunate recipient of an AHRC Studentship, which has enabled me to focus solely on my research. Moreover the German and Film Departments as well as the College’s Research Development Program organize regular seminars and workshops, which have enabled me to develop the skills necessary to pursue my research, as well as to broaden my knowledge of current research within and outside of my discipline.

Richard
German Research MPhil/PhD, option of joint PhD with Stuttgart/Sorbonne or Humboldt University
I originally studied German with Dutch at the University of Sheffield (2006-2010). After graduating I spent a year teaching English in Basel, Switzerland, before returning to Sheffield to complete my MA in Germanic Studies, focusing on Friderich Dürrenmatt.

My project looks at contemporary, avant-garde theatre in German-speaking Switzerland, the so-called freie Szene. The core of my project will address the individuals and groups active in the Swiss freie Szene, and the centres which promote and host their work. After looking at the 'why' and the 'what' of the avant-garde, I will investigate the development of independent theatre in Switzerland. This will focus in part on the political and socio-economic factors affecting practitioners today. This information will form the background for an extensive exploration of the freie Szene, which aims to synthesise dramatic and performance analysis.

Through the texts produced and used by the freie Szene in the last 30 years, and the performances currently being staged in Switzerland, it is hoped that any literary or performance bias will be avoided, and that a deep understanding of the aesthetic, thematic and political concerns of the Swiss avant-garde will be achieved.

Thus far King's has been an excellent place to conduct my research. Not only is my supervisor, Dr. Ben Schofield, extremely enthusiastic, but his knowledge of German theatre has been invaluable. Additionally, I have been able to take full advantage of King's English Department's expertise in the area of Theatre and Performance Studies.

The research facilities at King's are first-rate; not only do King's students have access the college's collections at the Maughan Library, but we are also able to conduct research at the University of London library and the British Library, amongst others.

In addition to the academic support I receive at King's, the financial support I receive is incredible. I was awarded a King's scholarship, which covers not only my full fees for three years, but also provides me with a living allowance. Additionally, all students are able to apply to one of the college's research studentships to cover research abroad.

London is an excellent place to study the theatre; not only are the West End and venues such as the National Theatre and the Old Vic a stones throw from King's, but there are countless smaller spaces in which high-quality, innovative theatre and performance is taking place. What's more, the German Department has a strong theatrical tradition, staging both classic and modern plays from all over the German-speaking world. We're always looking for more performers!