Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures University of Toronto

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 »

You are warmly invited to join a virtual discussion on career pathways following the doctorate, featuring postdoctoral fellows Miriam Schwartz and Landon Reitz. This event is open to all interested participants. In this session, our speakers will share insights into postdoctoral life, professional development, and the transition from graduate studies to a postdoctoral position. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about the application process, day to day postdoc experiences, and strategies for preparing for long term academic and professional careers. About the Speakers Miriam Schwartz is a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College. Her research and teaching focus on Yiddish and Hebrew literature, multilingualism, and translation theory. She received her PhD from the University of Toronto in 2025. Her current book project, Dubbed Jewish Literature: Multilingualism, Translation, and Hopelessness in Twentieth Century Hebrew and Yiddish Writing, examines the gap between the language on the page and the language of the story world, highlighting the presence of languages that shape narratives while remaining unspoken. Her work spans texts from Eastern Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East. Landon Reitz is a Faculty of Arts and Science Postdoctoral Fellow in the Centre for Medieval Studies ... Read More »

Arts & Science alum Stuart Jones gained valuable experience while earning his degree at U of T, including in the German Program. It led to an exciting and important role with The Atlantic Council, a think tank based in Washington, D.C. Read More »

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures is excited to offer GER100Y/101H Introduction to German fully online this summer including the final exam. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some prior knowledge, this is your chance to start or continue your German language journey. The course is not limited to UofT students. Students from recognized universities worldwide are also eligible to enroll by applying through the UofT Visiting Student Program. Course Overview GER100Y – Introduction to German (for Absolute Beginners) Leads to A2.1 level proficiencySchedule: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (EST)First Term: May 4 – June 15, 2026Second Term: July 2 – August 12, 2026 GER101H – Second Half of GER100Y (for Students with Basic Knowledge) Runs only in the second term: July 2 – August 12, 2026Students with prior knowledge of German should email german.undergradadmin@utoronto.ca to arrange a placement test Who Can Enrol UofT students at all three campuses. Please check the enrolment dates here.External students – must apply through the UofT Visiting Student Program. Application deadline: April 1, 2026. A letter of approval from your home university is required. Learn more here Why Learn German? Germany is Europe’s largest economy and the third ... Read More »

Language & Culture Day 2026 We are thrilled to invite you to this year’s Language & Culture Day, hosted by the Global Languages Initiative – the largest outreach event celebrating the diverse language programs and cultural offerings at the University of Toronto St. George campus. Date: Friday, March 6, 2026Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PMLocation: Lobby of Sidney Smith Hall Whether you are looking to expand your language skills, reconnect with your cultural roots, or explore new global perspectives, this event offers something for everyone. What to Expect: Interactive language and culture activitiesOpportunities to connect with professors, graduate students, and peers from more than 10 programsInformation about study abroad and international internship opportunities Bring a friend and discover the incredible range of languages taught at UofT, all in one vibrant and welcoming space. We look forward to seeing you there! Read More »

Application Deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026 Read More »

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024–25 Undergraduate In-Course Student Awards in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures. These awards recognize undergraduate students for their strong academic performance and continued excellence in their studies while enrolled in the program. We congratulate all recipients on their achievements and thank them for their hard work and commitment. Below is the list of award recipients for the 2024–25 academic year. Award Name Recipient NameSara Friede-Miransky Memorial Bursary in Yiddish StudiesKatherine BrownFania and Aron Fainer Prize in YiddishEric JadidzadehThe Anne (Medres) Glass Memorial Scholarship in YiddishPetra Biddle-GottesmanThe Percy Matenko Scholarship in YiddishEli KatzThe Hermann Boeschenstein Memorial ScholarshipJulien LevitThe Prize of the Ambassador of Switzerland to CanadaMaris Rice-Cameron Congratulations to all award recipients on their well-deserved achievements! Read More »

All students enrolled in Yiddish courses (both language and topic courses) are automatically eligible for generous scholarships and awards administered by the German Department. Historically, over 70 percent of Yiddish students have received one or more awards after completing one year of Yiddish study. Award NameAward DetailsBella and Solomon Shek Award in Yiddish StudiesBy-Application awardEstablished through generous donations from the family of the late Solomon Isaac Shek. To be awarded to an outstanding student essay on a Yiddish scholar, humanistic, and progressive writer, like Sholem Aleichem, I.L. Peretz, Mendele Mocher Sforim, or those who came after them in the Americas and Europe. Fania and Aron Fainer Prize in YiddishIn-Class awardEstablished through the gifts from friends and family of Fania and Aron Fainer, on their 50th wedding anniversary. Awarded to a student in Yiddish language who will continue in the study of Yiddish at the undergraduate level or at the graduate level. Financial need will be considered.Sara Friede-Miransky Memorial Bursary in Yiddish StudiesIn-Class awardEstablished by the donations from the friends and family of Sara Friede-Miransky. Awarded to a student in a Yiddish language or literature course on the basis of financial need.  Academic merit will also be considered.The Anne (Medres) Glass ... Read More »

Join us for Lunch & Connect: German and Yiddish Open House, a fair-style event showcasing the programs and opportunities offered by the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures. The Open House will feature multiple table stations where you can explore our academic programs, international opportunities, and student experiences. Faculty members, staff, and students who have previously participated in these programs will be on hand to share detailed information and answer your questions. Complimentary pizza, drinks, and Black Forest cake will be available throughout the event! Date: Thursday, January 29Time: 1–4 PMLocation: Romero Room, Loretto College Residence, 1st Floor, 70 St. Mary Street Featured Booths German Undergraduate StudiesGerman Graduate StudiesYiddish StudiesiPRAKTIKUM Internship ProgramSummer Abroad CoursesDAAD Programs More details about each booth can be found in the event flyer. Questions about German and Yiddish Studies are welcome, even if they are not specifically listed. Everyone is warmly invited to stop by, connect with our community, enjoy some food, and spend a pleasant afternoon with us! Read More »