New Releases 2025
Protestant School Leaders : A Qualitative Research about their Self-understanding: Case of Protestant Secondary School Principals in Cameroon / Frederick Fondzenyuy Njobati
Bamberg: Univ. of Bamberg Press, 2025
(Regards croisés Afrique-Europe. Cahiers supplémentaires ; 1)
978-3-98989-058-9
Price: 24,00 €
The study is concerned with the self-understanding of Protestant secondary school principals about their school leadership in the context of Cameroon where education is rooted in missionary and colonial times. The debate at international level on whether or not none-state schools are widening inequality gaps and whether school leadership is contributing to enlightenment or to fundamentalism matter in researching about the Protestant school profile and leadership. The study therefore seeks to answer the research question, “What are the perceptions of secondary school principals of Protestant schools about their school leadership?”
The research was conceptualized as exploratory and hypothesis-generating within the qualitative approach. It used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 26 theoretically sampled secondary school principals. The data was analyzed by qualitative content analysis using the grounded theory in an iterative deductive-inductive way. Through the generalization process of abduction and by a deep analysis of the empirical data, the criteria which constitute the categories of quality first emerged. Thereafter, six ideal types of leading understanding were generated and consists of (1) call for superiority leadership, (2) state-conformational leadership, (3) ecclesiastical leadership, (4) community-participatory leadership, (5) vocation to serve leadership and (6) diaconal leadership. Further analysis revealed a multi-dimensional self-understanding by principals on the Protestant ethos of schools and their leadership function. Thus, not all the six ideal leadership types are contributing to quality education. On the one hand, there are fundamentalist leaders focusing on normative aspects of discipline while on the other hand, there are leaders promoting democratic values or working in a diaconal way, promoting social justice. Furthermore, principals show little awareness of belonging to the church as a global institution.
Access to the full text:
https://doi.org/10.20378/irb-107317
Dumplings, Trauma and Transit : Aspects of a Poetics of Migration in Russia-German Contemporary Literature on the Example of Eleonora Hummel's "Die Fische von Berlin" (2005) and Elina Penner's "Nachtbeeren" (2022) / Arnold Kloninger
Bamberg: Univ. of Bamberg Press, 2025
(Bamberger Studien zu Literatur, Kultur und Medien ; 39)
978-3-98989-050-3
Price: 17,00 €
Russia-German (late) repatriates constitute one of the largest migrant groups in Germany. Nevertheless, many aspects of their history and culture remain insufficiently researched to this day. This is particularly true for their literature. This study therefore aims to shed light on the relatively underexplored literature of Russia-German (late) repatriates. To do so, it examines two contemporary novels: "Die Fische von Berlin" (2005) by Eleonora Hummel and "Nachtbeeren" (2022) by Elina Penner. The selection of these works reflects the defining experience of ‘double alienation’ in the history of Russia-Germans: While "Die Fische von Berlin" narrates the struggles of a Russia-German family in the Soviet Union during the 1980s, focusing on their efforts to emigrate and the everyday discrimination they face, "Nachtbeeren" depicts the disillusionment and integration difficulties of a Russia-German Mennonite family in Germany in 2020. At the core of this study is the question of whether Russia-German literature possesses a distinct migration poetics of its own? Does the literary engagement with Russia-German migration follow similar aesthetic strategies, or do the chosen literary techniques vary depending on the migration period depicted? To answer this question, a close textual analysis is combined with a socio-historical approach that considers both the history of the Russia-Germans and their literary tradition. Key aspects of analysis include, for "Die Fische von Berlin", representations of Germany and Russia, the processing of historical trauma and the significance of transitional spaces. In "Nachtbeeren", the focus of analysis lies on the negotiation of identity crises, socio-economic marginalization and the symbolic meaning of food. The findings reveal that, despite depicting different phases of migration, both novels employ remarkable literary-aesthetic parallels on both formal and thematic levels.
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https://doi.org/10.20378/irb-106215
Ägäische Etymologien : Sprache • Geschichte • Archäologie / Sebastian Kempgen
Bamberg: Univ. of Bamberg Press, 2025
(Schriften aus der Fakultät Geistes- und Kulturwissenschaften der Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg ; 54)
978-3-98989-056-5
Price: 37,00 €
Vor der Einwanderung der ersten Griechen (Mykener) war Griechenland nicht leer. Im 3. Jt. v. Chr. waren (nach den Neolithikern aus Anatolien) bereits erste indogermanische Stämme eingewandert, die den Mykenern einen reichen Wortschatz und viele Orts- und Gewässernamen weiterreichten. Der reich illustrierte Band erforscht die Herkunft und Bedeutung der bedeutendsten Namen dieser vorgriechischen Zeit auf dem Festland und den Inseln, z.B.: Athen, Amnissos, Dodoni, Eleusis, Erymanthos, Hellas, Ilion, Kerkyra, Korinth, Larissa, Lemnos, Mykene, Mykonos, Olymp, Odessos, Parnass, Salamis, Samos, Tiryns, Tylissos, Zominthos.
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https://doi.org/10.20378/irb-107778
Female Sanctity in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages : visual and Material Cultures / Katharina Christa Schüppel (Ed.)
Bamberg: Univ. of Bamberg Press, 2025
(Forschungen des Instituts für Archäologische Wissenschaften, Denkmalwissenschaften und Kunstgeschichte ; 19)
978-3-98989-052-7
Price: 40,00 €
Two- and three-dimensional images of female saints are highly complex religious objects. They depict the saints in a wide variety of material and performative settings. During their object history, these images have been subjected to repeated changes by multiple actors. In sophisticated ways, they reflect, negotiate and sometimes contradict the societal roles attributed to women.
In the present volume selected case studies explore the visual and material cultures of female sanctity in their multiple facets: Agnes, Cecilia, Mary and many others. The chronological focus centres on Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Of special interest are questions of materiality and performativity: what did it mean to render the image of a female saint on parchment, as a panel painting, in stone, metal, wood or other materials? Was it integral to liturgical and non-liturgical practices of action – in the multisensory church space and beyond? Who tells the story – and to whom?
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https://doi.org/10.20378/irb-107196
From „Kautschukparagraphen“ and „Schurkengesetzen“. Legislative reactions to anarchist attacks in the late 19th century : A historical comparison of debates between the German Empire and the Third French Republic / Nicola S. Leroy
Bamberg: Univ. of Bamberg Press, 2025
(Schriften aus der Fakultät Geistes- und Kulturwissenschaften der Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg ; 53)
978-3-98989-048-0
Price: 26,00 €
Based on historical research on assassinations and political terrorism, this dissertation examines how different political systems in the late 19th century dealt with the international threat of anarchist-motivated attacks. A comparative case study between the German Empire and the Third French Republic reveals similarities and differences in the state's defensive reactions. The focus of the work is on the level of the parliamentary legislature, whereby the content of the respective catalog of measures is given an equally broad scope. In this context, the internal decision-making processes within the legislative bodies are examined by means of a Franco-German debate comparison. It analyzes how the governments' political “anti-terror course” was discussed in the democratically legitimized parliamentary chambers - in particular, which positions the members of parliament took on individual issues, how they justified them and which legislative decisions followed.
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https://doi.org/10.20378/irb-106273
Farbloses Fensterglas : Rohstoffe und Herstellungstechniken, Entwicklungsgeschichte und denkmalpflegerische Relevanz von Theophilus bis zur Einführung von Floatglas / Alexandra Schmölder
Bamberg: Univ. of Bamberg Press, 2025
(Forschungen des Instituts für Archäologische Wissenschaften, Denkmalwissenschaften und Kunstgeschichte ; 17)
978-3-98989-040-4
Price: 32,00 €
Im Gegensatz zu Fensterrahmen, die in der Denkmalpflege längst als essentielle Bestandteile eines Baudenkmals anerkannt sind und entsprechend gewürdigt werden, findet farbloses Fensterglas in Profanbauten bislang wenig Beachtung und erfährt dementsprechend kaum Wertschätzung. Damit fehlt der praktischen Denkmalpflege eine wichtige Grundlage für die Bewertung historischer Gebäude.
Die Arbeit gibt einen umfangreichen Einblick in die Entwicklung und Geschichte von ungefärbtem Fensterglas und in die verschiedenen Herstellungstechniken, der so bislang einzigartig ist. Hinzu kommen eine denkmalpflegerische Würdigung und unterschiedliche Schemata, um Fensterglas zeitlich einordnen und einem Herstellungsverfahren zuordnen zu können. Das Thema ist sowohl für das Fachgebiet der Kunstgeschichte als auch für die Denkmalwissenschaften von Interesse. Die Spannbreite reicht vom Mittelalter bis zum 20. Jahrhundert und umfasst Butzenscheiben und Tellerscheiben sowie Mondglas, Zylinderglas und auch Ziehglas. Nebenbei werden weitverbreitete Missverständnisse aufgeklärt und Begrifflichkeiten geschärft.
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https://doi.org/10.20378/irb-106096
Designing Complex Software Architecture : Guidelines on Pattern Selection and Microservice Identification Methods / Vincent Georg Lauber
Bamberg: Univ. of Bamberg Press, 2025
(Schriften aus der Fakultät Wirtschaftsinformatik und Angewandte Informatik der Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg ; 44)
978-3-98989-042-8
Price: 26,00 €
Designing enterprise software systems requires careful selection of architectural styles and patterns that align with both technical and organizational requirements. This research proposes a selection framework that integrates these criteria, providing structured guidance for both pattern selection and the design process.
Effective architectural style selection necessitates a nuanced evaluation of organizational compatibility, rooted in a comprehensive understanding of relevant quality criteria. Assessing the organizational fit of design approaches within a selected architectural style ensures alignment with the organization’s specific preconditions and objectives. Throughout this process, quantifying the fulfillment of quality criteria establishes a consistent, quality-centered approach from initial selection to implementation.
This study examines the strategic considerations involved in adopting complex architectural patterns within software engineering, with a particular focus on the challenges of contemporary architecture design. It identifies critical decision-making factors and quality attributes that guide architectural choices, synthesizing these insights into a framework that inform architectural choices and support effective design decisions.
A taxonomy of architectural design strategies, emphasizing microservices, is introduced. This taxonomy systematically assesses microservice design approaches, detailing each step from data collection to service identification. It also highlights suitable quality metrics to embed quality criteria into the design process, ensuring alignment with the foundational principles of pattern selection.
Additionally, this research presents the Microservice Architecture Design Framework, a structured evaluation tool to guide organizations in selecting optimal design approaches. By applying this framework, the research provides insights into archetypal patterns within microservice architecture design and establishes best practices.
In presenting a structured, quality-centric approach to pattern selection, architectural design and service identification, this work offers a practical guide for software architects, enabling informed decision-making that aligns with technical specifications and strategic business objectives. As a consultative resource, this research offers actionable guidelines for practitioners, bridging the gap between theoretical foundations and practical applications in complex enterprise environments.
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https://doi.org/10.20378/irb-104528
Religion, Gender and Masculinities in Africa : Essays in Honour of Ezra Chitando / edited by Molly Manyonganise, Masiiwa R. Ragies and Linda Naicker; in cooperation with Joachim Kügler
Bamberg: Univ. of Bamberg Press, 2025
(Bible in Africa Studies ; 44) (Exploring Religion in Africa ; 17)
978-3-98989-042-8
Price: 34,00 €
Since many years, Professor Ezra Chitando is an excellent scholar and dedicated activist, whose personal experiences, cultural and religious influences, and commitment to justice and partnership, shape his work on religion, gender, and African masculinities. Chitando has made meaningful contributions to social justice and academic scholarship in various disciplines. His scholarship transcends the confines of academia, bringing about positive change and lasting impact in Church and society. In this Festschrift, more than forty authors (family members, friends, and colleagues) from Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, Germany, and Botswana honour Chitando’s academic and societal achievements, and carry on his struggle for redemptive gender roles and justice for all.
Access to the full text:
https://doi.org/10.20378/irb-105140