Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures University of Toronto

We are excited to announce that Prof. Hang-Sun Kim, Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies, and Associate Professor of German (Teaching Stream) in our department, has been appointed Dean of Arts and Vice-Provost at Trinity College, effective July 1, 2026, for a five-year term. Prof. Kim is a valued member of our academic community, contributing actively to undergraduate education, academic leadership, and departmental service. In her new role at Trinity College, Prof. Kim will provide academic and strategic leadership as Dean of Arts, overseeing Arts programming and supporting the College’s academic mission. As Vice-Provost, she will also contribute to broader institutional priorities, working closely with colleagues across the College and the University to advance excellence in teaching, learning, and academic planning. This appointment reflects Prof. Kim’s strong record of leadership, commitment to students, and contributions to academic life at the University of Toronto. More information about this appointment can be found in the official announcements from Trinity College and A&S News. Read More »

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures is pleased to announce that doctoral candidate Hannah Robinson has been awarded a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grant in recognition of her outstanding and highly promising research. Hannah’s project examines the historical origins of multilingualism through the study of medieval German literature, offering new perspectives on language contact and linguistic diversity in periods preceding modern constructions of nationality and linguistic boundaries. Her research challenges the assumption that monolingualism is a natural or historical norm. Instead, it considers the medieval period as one in which linguistic and geographic boundaries were significantly more fluid than the clearly defined categories often assumed today. As Hannah explains in her research proposal: “Monolingualism is a concept invented in the 17th century (Gramling 2016). The rise of nationalism brought with it the idea that each person had a natural language or mother tongue which marked their belonging to a single family or empire. Even now, the words for language and nationality are often the same (e.g. English, German, French) (Yildiz 2012). In the medieval period, however, these ideas simply did not exist (Kibbee 2010; Baldzuhn & Putzo 2011; Canagarajah & Liyanage 2021; Gramling 2021; Piccardo 2022). ... Read More »

We are pleased to announce a new collaboration between the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures and Goethe-Institut Toronto through the SPARK program. SPARK (Structured Program for the Acquisition of German – Resources and Know-how) is a network dedicated to strengthening German programs by supporting early access to German language learning, preparing future German teachers through professional development, and fostering exchange between schools, universities, and communities. As part of this collaboration, iPRAKTIKUM interns in GTA schools, as part of the German in the City Internship Program, now complete the Goethe-Institut’s online SPARK program in preparation for their classroom experiences in Toronto. Upon completion, interns receive a Goethe-Institut certificate. We are delighted to congratulate Jaba Beridze, Kylie Whyte, and Saba Mekonnen, who have successfully completed the program and earned their certificates. Check out the SPARK Program Flyer! Read More »

Julien Levit A third-year student majoring in German with minors in Ancient Greek and Literature and Critical Theory, Julien Levit has developed interdisciplinary interests spanning German philosophy and literature. Initially drawn to thinkers such as Nietzsche and Kant, their studies have expanded through German coursework to include Goethe, Grimm’s fairy tales, Romantic literature, and medieval texts. They are currently pursuing an Independent Study on Bodmer’s reception of the Nibelungenlied and is also a recipient of U of T’s UTEA award, reflecting a strong commitment to research and continued engagement with German literary traditions and graduate-level study. Andrea Perez A fourth-year Linguistics student with minors in German and Russian, Andrea Perez began studying German later in her degree after taking GER100 and quickly developed a strong interest in the language, culture, and grammar. She subsequently restructured her academic path to complete a German minor and has since excelled in upper-level courses such as GER272 and GER400, consistently earning high grades. She has achieved a high level of German proficiency and plans to complete the C1 exam after finishing her minor, continuing her engagement with advanced German studies. Annika Rempel A graduating student in German and Medieval Studies, Annika Rempel has developed ... Read More »

Zoey Angermann Zoe is a student majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology and Human Biology, with a minor in German Studies. She has been an active member of the German Studies Student Union (GSSU) for two years, serving as Events Coordinator and currently as Social Media Director. In these roles, she has organized and supported community events such as pub nights, “Deutsch Delight,” and other cultural gatherings, while helping to foster an inclusive and engaging German Studies community. Veronica Streibel-May A Psychology major with minors in German Studies and Statistics, Veronica has served as President of the German Studies Student Union (GSSU) this year, providing strong student leadership and representation within the department. In this role, she has led the planning and execution of a wide range of events, from academic seminars to social gatherings, while working closely with faculty to strengthen student engagement and community building and contributing a valuable student perspective in departmental and UCC discussions. Rudy Yuan A major in German and International Relations with a minor in Political Science, Rudy Yuan is a DAAD Young Ambassador who actively promotes German Studies and study abroad opportunities. He has organized a roundtable on youth engagement in German politics ... Read More »

We are delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s Undergraduate Awards in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures. These awards recognize outstanding achievement in German and Yiddish Studies, including academic excellence, language proficiency, and leadership in community engagement. Please join us in congratulating the following students for their exceptional contributions and accomplishments. Leadership & Community Engagement in German Studies Award Zoe AngermannVeronica Streibel-MayRudy Yuan Learn more about the award winners here! Excellence in German Studies Award Maris Rice-CameronAnnika RempelJulien LevitAndrea Perez Learn more about the award winners here! German Language Prize Winners of the German Language Prize are nominated by the instructors of GER100Y: Introduction to German. All recipients demonstrated a high level of participation, strong dedication to language learning, and outstanding academic performance throughout the course. Kiara Blaic Colette Choi Jazmín Espinosa-Bucio David Han Joshua Duncan Lee Xinying Liang Chloe Mason Thuy Nguyen Yasmine Omar Rafaela Taranova-Gomelsky Solomiia Svidrak The Bella and Solomon Shek Award in Yiddish Studies Ilya Pugachev Read More »

We are pleased to share an interview with Markus Stock reflecting on his time as a Senior Fellow at the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre last year. During his fellowship at the University of Bayreuth, he explored “subterranean entanglements” in medieval and early modern German literature, examining how human relationships with the underground have been imagined across time. In the interview, he discusses his research, international collaboration, and his experience of working across different academic cultures. Read the full interview here:https://www.humboldt-centre.uni-bayreuth.de/en/fellows-and-grantees/interview_Stock/index.html Read More »

The Master of Arts in German Studies at the University of Toronto is grounded in a rich tradition, with German teaching dating back to the 1840s—nearly as long as the University itself. Building on more than a century of graduate training, the program combines an internationally recognized reputation with a dynamic and evolving curriculum. Over the past two decades, the graduate program has developed a particularly productive focus on postcolonial and colonial studies, literature and philosophy, transnational studies, and film. To prepare students for future leadership in the field, the program also provides training in language teaching and curriculum development. The department is one of the few in North America to offer comprehensive exposure to German literature and culture spanning from the Medieval period to the present. The Master of Arts in German Studies at the University of Toronto is a one-year program. What Makes UofT’s MA in German Studies Unique? Critical Skills – Strengthen thinking, reading, and writing.Small Seminars – Personalized mentoring and close faculty support.Teaching Experience* – Gain practical language teaching skills.Collaborative Community – Connect with peers with shared interests.Networking – Engage with faculty, guest speakers, and cultural events.Professional Growth – Prepare for careers in the field. * ... Read More »

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures is pleased to announce that applications for the Undergraduate Awards in German Studies are now open. These awards recognize undergraduate students for their academic excellence, language achievement, and contributions to the German Studies community. They offer a meaningful opportunity to celebrate your hard work, dedication, and engagement. We encourage all eligible students to apply or to speak with their instructors about the nomination process. Available Awards Leadership & Community Engagement in German Studies (by application)German Language Prize (by nomination from course instructors of GER100Y, open to students in GER100Y)Excellence in German Studies (by application) Important Dates Application and Nomination Deadline: March 29, 2026Award Recipients Announcement: After the winter term courses conclude Learn More & Apply For more information about application deadline, eligibility and application procedures, please click the links below: Leadership & Community Engagement in German StudiesGerman Language PrizeExcellence in German Studies Contact If you have any questions, please contact:german.undergradadmin@utoronto.ca Read More »

The first-year seminar GER194H Our Vampires, Ourselves, taught by Professor Erol Boran, was recently highlighted in CBC News as part of a feature on unique university courses across Ontario. In this course, students explore how vampires in literature and film reflect cultural fears, social anxieties, and the historical contexts that shape them. By examining these enduring figures, students are encouraged to think critically about how popular culture engages with broader societal issues. Curious how vampires can serve as a lens for understanding society? Read the full article here:https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-colleges-unique-courses-9.7083120?utm_campaign=linkinbio&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio Article by The Canadian Press. Read More »