Guest Speaker to Present on Disability Studies and German Studies at National German Honor Society Ceremony

Joe Covey

Petra Watzke, assistant professor of German at Kalamazoo College, will explore the productive intersections of Disability Studies and German Studies at this year's Delta Phi Alpha National German Honor Society ceremony.

The University of Arkansas chapter of Delta Phi Alpha, the National German Honor Society, will hold its annual induction ceremony from 6-7:30 p.m. March 18. Delta Phi Alpha recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in learning the German language, as well as dedication to the further study of German language and cultures. This year the university will welcome Petra Watzke, assistant professor of German at Kalamazoo College, who will deliver a keynote speech entitled "Accepting the Whole Body: Thoughts About the Intersection of Disability Studies and German Studies." From the abstract:

What is German Studies (GS)? What is Disability Studies (DS)? Why should there be an intersection and why does it matter? In this presentation, Dr. Watzke approaches these questions in order to demonstrate what is gained when disability and embodiment are not sidelined but embraced in education, teaching, and scholarship. Dr. Watzke proposes that acknowledging the intersection of DS and GS would mean accepting whole bodies, not simply the disembodied mind engaged in research. What would such a discipline look like, for students, scholars, and educators? Join Dr. Watzke in this thought experiment and find out!

Watzke's talk, which will precede the induction ceremony, will be streamed virtually via Zoom and is open to the community with registration.

Since its founding in 1929, Delta Phi Alpha has pursued its mission to promote the study of German languages, literatures and cultures. The organization recognizes academic achievement and supports student scholarship as it endeavors to emphasize those aspects of German lives and cultures which are of universal value and which contribute to humanity's eternal search for peace and truth.

For more information about this event or Delta Phi Alpha, please contact Brett Sterling at bsterli@uark.edu.