Mittekanon

Mittekanon is a term used in German to describe a concept related to the historical canon or core curriculum of German literature and culture. It refers to a body of works, authors, and ideas that have traditionally been considered essential for a comprehensive understanding of German intellectual and artistic heritage. The selection of works within the mittekanon has often been debated and has evolved over time, reflecting changing academic and societal perspectives.

Historically, the mittekanon has been associated with figures and movements that shaped German identity and thought, such as the Weimar Classicism of Goethe and Schiller, the Romantic period, and significant philosophical contributions. Critics and scholars have pointed out that the traditional mittekanon has often been Eurocentric and male-dominated, leading to calls for a more inclusive and diverse representation of voices and experiences within German cultural discourse.

The debate surrounding the mittekanon is not unique to Germany, as similar discussions about canonical works occur in literary and cultural studies worldwide. The concept highlights the ongoing process of defining and redefining what is considered essential knowledge and how cultural heritage is transmitted and interpreted across generations. The term itself suggests a "middle" or "central" canon, implying that there might be other, perhaps more specialized or marginalized, canons alongside it.