University of Waterloo Germanic and Slavic Studies

02/27/2026

Germanic and Slavic Studies is pleased to announce The Diefenbaker Lectures, a series of three presentations showcasing the latest in German studies scholarship. Three lectures are planned: March 5 / March 26 / April 6. To learn more about these lectures, please go to https://uwaterloo.ca/germanic-slavic.../diefenbaker-lectures.

02/13/2025

Any plans for Thursday, February 27? If not join the WCGS for Grimm Lecture 2025, an in-depth exploration of Kafka’s enduring global influence—from Weimar Berlin to the modern literary world.

📢 Tag a friend who loves Kafka!

📢 Grimm Lecture 2025: Kafka Around the World 🌍📖

Franz Kafka died in 1924, largely unknown beyond a small circle of Central European writers. Yet, a century later, he remains one of the most iconic voices of modern literature—his works transcending time, culture, and language.

What makes this unassuming Jewish writer from Prague resonate so powerfully across generations? This year’s Grimm Lecture explores Kafka’s global influence, from 1920s Weimar Berlin, where he appeared in a leading cultural magazine, to the 2020s, when Han Kang—dubbed ‘Korea’s Kafka’—became South Korea’s first Nobel laureate in Literature.

Join us as we uncover the enduring power of Kafka’s words and their journey across the world!

📅 Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm EST
📍 Location: In-person at CIGI Auditorium (67 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 6C2) or
Online: via Zoom, link sent after registration
🎙 Guest Speaker: Dr Karolina Watroba

The event is free and open to all. You can attend online or in person. However, prior registration is required

🔗 Register here: https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-german-studies/events/grimm-lecture-2025

01/09/2025

A cinematic theatre production created by Jerry Holsopple and Justin Poole.

12/20/2024

Congratulations to Dr. Rottmann and all the shortlisted authors! 👏🏆

12/18/2024

As the fall term draws to a close, we want to thank you all warmly for being part of GSS, whether you took one of our courses, attended our events, or simply browsed our social media. 🧡

Meet our instructors, staff, PhD students, our current IcGS class, and find out more about our department: https://buff.ly/4iJynaU

12/17/2024

👏👏👏

A Successful DAAD Info Session

On November 7, we had an afternoon session with John Paul Kleiner, Senior Manager of University Relations at DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service.

Attendees gained valuable insights into:
🔍 The German research landscape
📚 Funding opportunities for faculty, postdocs, and PhD students
🤝 Collaborative research possibilities with German institutions

A big thank you to John Paul Kleiner and everyone who joined us to explore how DAAD supports global academic research!

12/13/2024

Two days, two locations, five workshops: Thank you for having us, German Studies Association at McGill - GSA, Goethe-Institut Montreal, and University of Toronto German!

12/13/2024

Looking for a Book to Get You Through the Holidays? 📚

The holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re in need of some exciting reading material to make the season even better, we’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re in the Christmas spirit or just looking for a good story, come by our Media Lounge and borrow a book before we close for the season. We have something for everyone!

Please note: Our institute will be closed from December 23, 2024, to January 2, 2025, and the Media Lounge will reopen on January 6, 2025.

Stop by and grab a book before the holiday break! We´re looking forward seeing you!

12/12/2024

❗️It's that time of year again!

🫶The Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies seeks excellent students to join the unique Joint MA program in Intercultural German Studies.

🎓The two-year program is fully funded and includes one year of study at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and one year at the University of Mannheim, Germany. Students obtain a combined joint degree from the two universities - a Canadian and a European qualification.

📝Application Deadline for Fall 2025: March 31, 2025.

🔗Click here to learn more: https://buff.ly/3MkhKnX

12/11/2024

The shortlist for the 2023 WCGS Book Prize is here! 📖🏆

WCGS is pleased to announce the shortlist for its annual Book Prize.

Established in 2018, the WCGS Book Prize recognizes 1st-time authors whose scholarly work contributes substantially to our understanding of any aspect of German-speaking society.

The prize foregrounds good writing, scholarly relevance, originality, & the ability to reach audiences beyond the academic sphere. The breadth of all of books nominated for the prize is a testament to the dynamic intellectual curiosity that is a hallmark of German studies.

Six books have been selected for the shortlist, representing diverse disciplines such as q***r studies, feminist history, & cultural ethnography.

The winner, who receives a CAD $3,000 prize, will be announced next week. This year’s shortlist, celebrating books published in 2023, can be found here: https://buff.ly/3GO2ha

12/11/2024

🎓 Thinking about studying or researching in Germany? 🌍

Discover everything you need to know with ZEIT GERMANY: Study & Research, a unique annual magazine for international students, high-school graduates, and young scientists! Whether you’re dreaming of pursuing your studies, diving into research, or exploring German culture, this magazine is your ultimate guide to life in Germany.

📍 Visit the Goethe-Institut Toronto and pick up your FREE copy today—while supplies last!

Start planning your next big adventure—Germany is waiting for you! ✨