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
Golden Boar Awards - Fall 2024
We proudly present the winners of our fall 2024 Golden Boar Awards!
Winter 2025 course in the spotlight: GER 303 - Interactive German Language and Culture
Develop German language and interaction skills and cultural awareness. Meet Canadian peers and German students in Mannheim. Discuss topics such as Heimat, nation, migration, identity, and reflect on the role of intercultural experiences through interviews, videos, literary texts.
Taught by Prof. Grit Liebscher online.
Prerequisite:
GER 201 / GER 211 or instructor consent.
At least completed A2.1 or 3 semesters of German, with some flexibility due to online format.
Students from other universities are welcome to join this course.
