The PGF is an annual event which is hosted by a different German university each fall. Accordingly, the local organizers function as representatives of the forum for one year.

Additionally, the PGF hosts a lunch at the annual conference of the German Association for American Studies. This is designed to enable a first exchange prior to the forum.

The 2010 Postgraduate Forum organizers at American Studies Leipzig call for submissions to this year’s annual conference.

The Postgraduate Forum (PGF) of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Amerikastudien (DGfA) is a venue for all young scholars working in American Studies who have completed their MA (or equivalent) to discuss their work and meet their peers. The 2010 PGF will be hosted by American Studies Leipzig from 5-7 November, 2010. During this three-day conference, young scholars in the field can present their current research – such as doctoral work, essay projects, or Habilitationsschriften – as work in progress and debate it with the group. There is no topical restriction. Presentations must not exceed 20 minutes in order to enable a discussion afterwards. We invite you to submit an abstract of 200-300 words by 29 August, 2010. Additionally, please include in your proposal a brief biographical statement speaking to your academic background, your university affiliation, and the current status of your project. The DGfA has generously provided funds to assist speakers with their travel costs.

More information [PDF file]

COPAS (Current Objectives of Postgraduate American Studies) is an e-journal devoted to research by young Americanists in Germany that was conceived as a publication opportunity for young scholars in American Studies and an easy-to-access platform for scholarly exchange. It was launched following the 1999 PostGraduateForum (PGF) of the German Association for American Studies/Deutsche Gesellschaft für Amerikastudien (DGfA) in Regensburg, helped by funds from the Bavarian American Academy/Bayerische Amerika-Akademie. Currently, Birgit Bauridl, Ingrid Gessner, and Juliane Schwarz-Bierschenk edit and publish the journal. It is located at the Chair of American Studies at the University of Regensburg. [Read COPAS]