Academic Departments and Interdisciplinary Studies

Rooted in critical inquiry and cultural exploration, the Black Studies program on campus invites students to engage deeply with the histories, expressions, and experiences of Black communities.  

Further, the Black Studies program offers an in-depth and interdisciplinary exploration of Black culture, history, literature, and society, encouraging critical engagement with race, identity, and social change. Through diverse courses and immersive learning experiences involving literature, film, theatre, music, and art, students examine the rich expressions of Black life and its impact on cultural narratives. The program highlights key areas such as Black Queer Studies, Black Feminisms, and intersectionality, providing frameworks to understand the lived experiences of marginalized communities and the interconnectedness of race, gender, and sexuality. Ultimately, it equips students with the tools to engage meaningfully in academic and activist conversations around social justice and equity. 

For more information, contact Dr. Laura Mae Lindo, Director of Black Studies. 

The Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies is dedicated to advancing research and scholarship in the fields of Spanish language, literature, and cultures, with a particular emphasis on Latin American and Peninsular studies. Faculty members engage in a range of interdisciplinary research topics that explore the historical, cultural, and literary dimensions of the Spanish-speaking world. The department provides a collaborative environment for faculty and postdoctoral scholars to contribute to innovative research, engage in cross-disciplinary projects, and explore global issues related to language, culture, and identity. With a focus on global perspectives, the department’s work fosters a deeper understanding of the Spanish-speaking world, offering opportunities for collaboration in areas such as translation, cultural studies, and international relations. 

For more information on Spanish and Latin American Studies, contact the department here.  

Culture and Language Studies (CLS) offers a wide range of interdisciplinary programs that focus on language, culture, and global engagement. These programs, housed in Renison University College, include Applied Language Studies, East Asian Studies, English Language and Literature, Religious Studies, Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures, Fine Arts, and other language studies, providing diverse opportunities for conversation and dialogue for faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and students. CLS fosters a deeper understanding of global cultures and enhances analytical and language skills, preparing individuals for personal and professional growth in an increasingly interconnected world. The department also engages in active reconciliation and decolonization efforts, guiding research and teaching with a commitment to social justice and inclusivity. 

For more information on Culture and Language Studies, contact the department here. 

The Gender and Social Justice (GSJ) program empowers students to critically explore how systems of power, privilege, and oppression intersect across gender, race, class, sexuality, disability, and more. Grounded in intersectional feminist theory and emerging from the university’s longstanding commitment to Women’s Studies, the program engages both local and global contexts of social justice through scholarship, pedagogy, and practice. With small, discussion-based classrooms and strong connections to Waterloo’s co-op ecosystem, the program fosters critical thinking, applied learning, and meaningful student engagement across sectors such as public policy, advocacy, education, and community work. With a focus on critical reflection, collaboration, and systemic change, the program contributes meaningfully to the university’s broader commitments to equity, inclusion, and social transformation. 

For more information, contact Carla Fehr, the GSJ program advisor.  

The Department of Religious Studies offers a rich, interdisciplinary environment for examining how religion shapes—and is shaped by—human experience across time, cultures, and social contexts. Through diverse traditions and critical approaches, the field engages deeply with questions of meaning, identity, ethics, and community, while exploring religion’s intersection with broader political, historical, and cultural forces. With strong academic partnerships across Waterloo’s affiliated colleges, the program fosters collaboration, research, and dialogue in a pluralistic and globally connected setting. Grounded in both historical insight and contemporary relevance, Religious Studies at Waterloo also supports critical inquiry into pressing issues such as religious diversity, secularism, and the role of religion in movements for equity and social justice. 

For more information on Religious Studies, contact the department here.