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
Award-Winning Croatian Film MURINA Opens Next Week in Waterloo!
MURINA is a feminist coming-of-age story set on the Croatian coast.
Germanic & Slavic Studies - Spring 2022 course offerings
Germanic & Slavic Studies is offering the following courses in the Spring 2022 term (May to August 2022):
German:
GER 101 online: Elementary German 1
GER 102 online: Elementary German 2
Dutch:
DUTCH 101 online: Elementary Dutch 1
DUTCH 102 online: Elementary Dutch 2
Russian:
RUSS 101 on-campus: Elementary Russian 1
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:00pm to 5:20pm
Declare your Major / Minor Info Session
Learn more about programs in Germanic & Slavic Studies (German, Dutch, Russian and East European Studies, including Cultural Identities), exchange opportunities, and how Languages can boost your career.
Virtual Declare your Major / Minor info session.
When:
Monday, March 7, 2022, from noon to 12:45pm and
Monday, March 14, 2022, from 1:15pm to 2:00pm