Dr. Gergana May, dually appointed Lecturer in Germanic Studies and West European Studies, joined IU in Fall 2006 after earning her Ph.D. from the University of Washington. A native of Bulgaria, Professor May earned her M.A. in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Sophia. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Scandinavian Literature and Culture and Literary Theory and Criticism. Her dissertation, entitled ‘Man at the End of History’ – Henrik Ibsen’s Works in the Light of French Post-Hegelian Theoretical Thought argued for a new periodization of the author’s literary works into two distinct groups: those which ‘respond to particular socio-historical moments,’ thereby reflecting a sense of history and progress, and a second group which Professor May argued as conveying a sense of living ‘at the end of history.’

Utilizing literary theory, Professor May’s dissertation examined contemporary theatrical productions of Ibsen’s works in their relation to present-day social phenomena such as the “mid-life” and “quarter-life crisis.” An abridged version of her dissertation, entitled “…det aller deiligste som til er i hele verden”: Henrik Ibsen’s Works in the Light of French Post-Hegelian Theoretical Thought” is forthcoming from the University of Sophia. In addition, May has translated a number of Ibsen’s writings into her native Bulgarian.

Professor May’s interdisciplinary and wide-ranging research interests find an apt counterpoint in the wide variety of courses she offers to IU students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. As a specialist of Scandinavia, May regularly teaches beginning through advanced Norwegian, as well as independent readings courses in Danish and Swedish. Her most recent course, titled Topics in Scandinavian Culture: The Multiethnic North is currently open for students interested in a second 8-week course for spring 2008. Professor May also serves as the advisor for students interested in pursuing a minor in Norwegian, offered through the Germanic Studies department.

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