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
Winter 2025 course in the spotlight: REES 240 - Mediterranean Cultures in their European Context
REES240 is an introductory survey of modern eastern Mediterranean societies with a special focus on Croatia and its neighbouring countries. The course examines the historical, cultural, economic, and socio-political interconnectedness of these societies, situated at the crossroads of both East/West and North/South communication and commerce. Students will discuss different perspectives on issues such as cultural diversity, gender relations, migration, and the place of the Mediterranean in the human imagination, developing critical thinking skills by analyzing relevant readings and engaging in independent research.
Readings and discussions are in English.
Photo credit: By Zysko serhii - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72227145
Declare your Major / Minor Info Session
Join us for a live online 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.
When: Tuesday, March 12, and Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 1pm to 2pm
Or email the Germanic & Slavic Studies Undergraduate Studies office for more information.
Picture credit: Freepik.com
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).
