Rural Criticism

»Rural Criticism» is dedicated to cultural analyses at the interdisciplinary intersection of geography and literary studies. »Rural Criticism» is an epistemological approach that draws, among other things, on ecocriticism. We examine insightful and inspiring fictional texts about mountain regions and rural areas. The main thesis of the project is that successful literary works raise awareness of the situation and condition of mountain and rural populations. Novels about the countryside, villages, or farmers can complement scientific work by sharpening our understanding of what is happening to people in these areas and what concerns them. Ultimately, the hope is that literary-scientific discussion will enable broader and more media-effective engagement with the research activities of Eurac Research.

Sample questions at the intersection of science and literature

• To what extent can literary texts produce and convey knowledge, both in the act of writing (production)as well as in the one of reading (reception)?
• Do authors draw on scientific findings? Do these stimulate, inspire, or promote their works?
• How do authors transform or reinterpret bodies of knowledge?
• What epistemological function do fictional texts serve in scientific discourse?
• Do insightful literary texts convey, where possible, a different, specific (disciplinary) knowledge?
• Can scientists, in turn, benefit from literary knowledge?