Current graduate students

The Waterloo Centre for German Studies (WCGS) is pleased to announce the eight finalists for the WCGS Book Prize. The prize, valued at CAD $2000, is for books in any area of German studies published by first-time authors in 2018.

The shortlist demonstrates the rich and diverse nature of German studies scholarship today. The Waterloo Centre for German Studies congratulates the authors on their fine achievement. Check out the finalists here.

Thursday, November 7, 2019 9:00 am - 9:00 am EST (GMT -05:00)

Legends and Dreams: Reinhard Kleist’s Graphic Narrative

Legends and Dreams: Reinhard Kleist’s Graphic Narrative - Poster Exhibition

WCGS and GSS invite one and all to browse the halls of the Modern Languages building for an exclusive look at a poster exhibition of Reinhard Kleist's graphic novel Berliner Mythen.

Monday, October 28, 2019

CfP: Decentering German Cinema

CfP: Decentering German Cinema (November 13-14, 2020)

Keynote address by Dr. Sabine Hake (The University of Texas at Austin)

1n 1996, Marc Silberman asked, “What is German in the German cinema?” In challenging the easy definition of national cinemas based on linguistic or geo-political borders, he illustrated the difficulty of pinpointing exactly what is “German” cinema, especially when taking into account the often multi- and transnational aspects of its history. His conclusion that “the form of the question tends to determine the way it is answered” suggested that the way German cinema was understood largely owed to the limitations scholars put on it in the framing of their own scholarship. The categories of German cinema, then, are self-defined and, thus, self-limiting. Similarly, both Anton Kaes and Sabine Hake have wrestled with how to define German cinema, both issuing calls to action to develop case studies (Sabine Hake) and “new cinema history” (Anton Kaes) to explore new ways of approaching and defining the what and who that comprise German cinema.  

Thursday, November 21, 2019 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Celebrate International Education Week - Alexandre Trudeau

Celebrate International Education Week - Alexandre Trudeau

November 18-22 is International Education Week at the University of Waterloo, the high point of which will be a visit to campus by renowned filmmaker and storyteller Alexandre Trudeau. The Waterloo Centre for German Studies is happy to be a leading sponsor of this event. Mr. Trudeau will be giving a keynote address to high school and university students (as well as anyone else who wishes to attend) about how his ability to speak multiple languages has enriched his life, both personally and professionally, and why he believes all students should have diverse opportunities for language learning and study abroad. The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion featuring industry professionals, alumni and more, all part of the Goethe-Institut’s Career Booster – Global Experience Day.

Monday, October 7, 2019

CSSG is now accepting applications

Spend May and June 2020 in Germany!

Applications for the Canadian Summer School in Germany (CSSG) are now being accepted!

CSSG offers Intermediate and Advanced German Language & Culture CoursesGerman Immersion Community Service Learning Courses

Dates: May 3 – June 20, 2020
Cost: $1,726 tuition & approx. $2850 - 2950 program fee (plus airfare)

Undergraduate European Studies Conference, University of Guelph (Ontario)

November 23, 2019

This one-day conference will give students an opportunity to present their research, with faculty members and graduate students serving as moderators.

Students will also have the possibility of working with graduate student mentors while preparing their papers. They will have 15 minutes to present their work and a short discussion period will follow.

Oktoberfest: The History of Germany's Most Famous Festival (Friday, October 4, 2019)

Enjoy Oktoberfest-inspired appetizers and a drink from the keg before attending Professor James Skidmore's lecture on the history of Germany's most famous festival. The event concludes with an Oktoberfest dinner with all the fixings – including schnitzel, potato salad and apple strudel.