Our department specializes in the study of language, applied linguistics, literature, and film and visual culture.
Graduate programs
Our department has developed three stimulating and challenging graduate programs that give students hands-on experience in teaching and research:
- MA in German - a one-year MA program that has thesis and non-thesis options
- Joint MA in Intercultural German Studies - a two-year MA program that is operated jointly with the Universität Mannheim
- PhD in German - a PhD program that equips you for careers in academe and beyond
Undergraduate programs
We offer courses in:
- German: Students learn the languages, history, cultural traditions, ideas, and accomplishments of the German-speaking areas of central Europe.
- Russian: We offer courses in Russian language as well as the culture of Russia and Eastern Europe. Students can earn a Minor in Russian and East European Studies.
- Croatian: The department offers elementary courses in Croatian as well as courses in Croatian culture.
- Dutch: The department offers elementary courses in Dutch as well as a Dutch culture course. Many courses in Dutch are offered online. Students can earn a Diploma in Dutch Language.
Meet the GSS faculty and staff
Waterloo Centre for German Studies (WCGS)
WCGS is a privately-endowed institute devoted to research on the language, culture, and civilization of German-speaking peoples. The Centre offers a wide range of educational and cultural activities for the academy and the broader community.
News and events
News
2024 Canadian Summer School in Germany (CSSG)
Are you looking for a German language and cultural experience you will never forget?
Spend May and June 2024 in Germany with the Canadian Summer School in Germany (CSSG)!
Apply now!
Teach English in Germany (2024-2025 PAD program)
Application deadline: February 7, 2024
In co-operation with the German Pedagogical Exchange Office (PAD), German Studies Canada is accepting applications for positions as English-language assistants in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Visit us at the 2023 Fall Open House
Visit Germanic & Slavic Studies at the 2023 Fall Open House to talk about programs in Germanic & Slavic Studies, including the cross-departmental Minor in Cultural Identities (CI).
Events
Declare your Major / Minor Info Session
Join us for a live Zoom information session to talk about programs in Germanic & Slavic Studies, including the cross-departmental Minor in Cultural Identities (CI). Bring questions about German, Dutch, Russian, Croatian, and CI courses, about exchange opportunities, and about how learning languages can support your personal and professional goals.
Declare your Major / Minor Info Session
Join us for a live Zoom information session to talk about programs in Germanic & Slavic Studies, including the cross-departmental Minor in Cultural Identities (CI). Bring questions about German, Dutch, Russian, Croatian, and CI courses, about exchange opportunities, and about how learning languages can support your personal and professional goals.
Declare your Major / Minor Info Session
Join us for a live Zoom information session to talk about programs in Germanic & Slavic Studies, including the cross-departmental Minor in Cultural Identities (CI). Bring questions about German, Dutch, Russian, Croatian, and CI courses, about exchange opportunities, and about how learning languages can support your personal and professional goals.
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