Diversity and Life Writing in the Transnational Classroom

Abstract

For this chapter, Alfred Hornung locates the origin of Germany’s diversity studies in the postwar era, during which Germany experienced gradual transculturation, especially due to the presence of African American soldiers, but also due to the appearance of American cultures in the media, the introduction of American studies in German universities, and the teaching of multi-ethnic authors in American literature courses. On the basis of international pedagogical experience, Hornung demonstrates that life writing lends itself particularly well to the representation and recognition of diversity and suggests how inclusion can be furthered. The focus of this chapter’s transnational classroom comparison is Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior, whose cultural hybridity has promoted international discussion on inclusive diversity and inspired students to achieve transcultural competence.