In computer games, film, literature, and the press, medial images of the phenomena of amok runs and school shootings play a central role. These statistically quite rare outbursts of violence thus gain an enormous visibility, which shapes their collective image. At the same time, psychological perspectives deal with the cause and prevention of this specific form of violence. This volume's interdisciplinary approach to the complex phenomenons of amok runs and school shootings shows the extent to which they constitute a very unsettling momentum, which deeply disturbs a society based on rationalism and economy.

Ralf Junkerjürgen (Prof. Dr.) lehrt romanische Kulturwissenschaft an der Universität Regensburg. Isabella von Treskow (Prof. Dr.) lehrt romanische Literaturwissenschaft an der Universität Regensburg.