Alex Holznienkemper is half German and half American, with all of his American side of the family stemming from NH. He grew up in Chicago and Virginia before moving to Germany at the age of ten and initially not enjoying German language, literature and philosophy at all! After completing his German Abitur, during his undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona (B.A. 2006 and M.A. 2008), he discovered a new passion for said literature and philosophy and he hasn’t looked back since (Ph.D. from Ohio State in 2014).
In a broad sense, his research focuses on the intersection of literature and philosophy, particularly how (post)-modernity continues to wrestle with the challenge of contingency (both in terms of normativity and epistemology). Particular areas of expertise are Critical Theory, contemporary German writers of transnational background, secular-religious translation, and soccer culture.
Alex is also passionate about reforming and reaching out to the criminal justice system.
Courses Taught
- GERM 401: Elementary German I
- GERM 402: Elementary German II
- GERM 503: Intermediate German I
- GERM 504: Intermediate German II
- GERM 525: Intro German Cult & Civiliztn
- GERM 631W: Adv Communication Skills I
- GERM 632: Adv Communication Skills II
- GERM 732: Public Discourse
- HUMA 444E: Honors/What is a Criminal?
- INCO 590: Student Research Experience
- INCO 790: Advanced Research Experience
Research Interests
- Contemporary literature
- Critical theory
- Immigration
- Literature and philosophy
- Post-secularism
- Sports
