Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures University of Toronto

Dear All,You are warmly invited to an academic presentation by Maria Harutyunyan, a PhD candidate in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures.Presentation Title:On a Journey of Virtue: Philanthropy, Female Middle-Class Agency, and Social Distinction in 18th and 19th Century Women’s NovelsDate: Thursday, January 16, 2025Time: 4:00 PMLocation: Odette Hall, Room 323About the Speaker: Maria Harutyunyan’s research focuses on the representation of female middle-class agency and distinction with relation to philanthropy in the works of women authors from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries. Her objective is to illuminate the interconnection between philanthropy and the agency of women of the middle class from the perspective of women writers of the early industrial period.  About the Presentation:“Oh, if the love of my fellow-creatures had not stuck its roots so deeply in my heart as to be incorporated with my very self-love, what would have become of me?” (LaRoche, 135).In Sophie von LaRoche’s 18th-century novel, the intricate relationship between self-love and love for others plays a pivotal role in the character development of the protagonist, Sophie Sternheim. This dynamic is reflected in the concept of philanthropy, which reveals the complexities of human nature by highlighting the tension between altruism and egoism. The notion of altruistic ... Read More »

Dear All,You are warmly invited to an academic presentation by Maria Harutyunyan, a PhD candidate in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures.Presentation Title:On a Journey of Virtue: Philanthropy, Female Middle-Class Agency, and Social Distinction in 18th and 19th Century Women’s NovelsDate: Thursday, January 16, 2025Time: 4:00 PMLocation: Odette Hall, Room 323About the Speaker: Maria Harutyunyan’s research focuses on the representation of female middle-class agency and distinction with relation to philanthropy in the works of women authors from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries. Her objective is to illuminate the interconnection between philanthropy and the agency of women of the middle class from the perspective of women writers of the early industrial period.  About the Presentation:“Oh, if the love of my fellow-creatures had not stuck its roots so deeply in my heart as to be incorporated with my very self-love, what would have become of me?” (LaRoche, 135).In Sophie von LaRoche’s 18th-century novel, the intricate relationship between self-love and love for others plays a pivotal role in the character development of the protagonist, Sophie Sternheim. This dynamic is reflected in the concept of philanthropy, which reveals the complexities of human nature by highlighting the tension between altruism and egoism. The notion of altruistic ... Read More »

The Canadian Summer School in Germany (CSSG) is a renowned program that offers students an immersive experience to enhance their German language skills while exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Germany. Each year, students learning German with the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures at UofT travel to Kassel to take part in intensive language courses, cultural excursions, and unique living experiences with host families. In 2024, five outstanding participants shared their transformative journeys through CSSG. These stories highlight not only the academic and linguistic growth achieved during their time in Germany but also the personal connections and unforgettable memories that shaped their experiences. Join us as we celebrate their journeys through interviews and videos that capture the essence of the CSSG experience. Whether you’re a prospective participant or simply curious about life and learning in Germany, these stories are sure to inspire. Elizabeth Frynta is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto’s Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies Program who also minored in German Studies and Political Science. Elizabeth is a two-time CSSG participant who took some time to share her German language journey with us while preparing for graduate school. This year, Elizabeth was awarded the ... Read More »

Dear All, The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures will be hosting the annual Student Appreciation Event on January 17th, at 2-4 PM. At this event, you will get the latest updates about German and Yiddish courses, programs, internships, and study-abroad opportunities. You’ll also hear from students sharing their experiences, connect with fellow students and faculty members, and enjoy pizza and drinks! Interested in joining us next Friday? Here are the details:Date: Friday, January 17, 2025Time: 2:00–4:00 PMLocation: Charbonnel Lounge, Elmsley Hall, 1st Floor Don’t miss out—use this link to RSVP now! We look forward to seeing you there! Read More »

Dear All, The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures will be hosting the annual Student Appreciation Event on January 17th, at 2-4 PM. At this event, you will get the latest updates about German and Yiddish courses, programs, internships, and study-abroad opportunities. You’ll also hear from students sharing their experiences, connect with fellow students and faculty members, and enjoy pizza and drinks! Interested in joining us next Friday? Here are the details:Date: Friday, January 17, 2025Time: 2:00–4:00 PMLocation: Charbonnel Lounge, Elmsley Hall, 1st Floor Don’t miss out—use this link to RSVP now! We look forward to seeing you there! Read More »

Undergraduate Student Cynthia Lin spoke with us about her experience with the Canadian Summer School in Germany in the Summer of 2024. Cynthia is a Psychology specialist with a major in Sociology and a minor in Education and Society. She reflects on her experience with the program and shares some noteworthy advice for prospective students.  Good afternoon, Cynthia. Please introduce yourself to the community with your name, programs of study, and the year you participated in CSSG.  My name is Cynthia Lin, and I am currently enrolled in the psychology specialist program, the sociology major and education and society minor.  Please let us know what motivated you to apply to CSSG. I first learned about this program through a UofT newsletter, and Professor John Plews, the CSSG Program Director, came to speak with us about it. I was motivated by my desire to immerse myself in the language experience and environment. I cannot gain the same fluent German language skills and cultural understanding in Canada.  What previous experiences did you have learning German before joining the program? I previously studied GER 100Y1 (Introduction to German) online. Although the course was very interactive, it was not the same as taking a ... Read More »

Elizabeth Frynta is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto’s Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies Program who also minored in German Studies and Political Science. Elizabeth is a two-time CSSG participant who took some time to share her German language journey with us while preparing for graduate school. This year, Elizabeth was awarded the Kim Misfeldt Prize from the Canadian Summer School in Germany. Elizabeth earned this award through her exceptional graded coursework, active engagement in the cultural program, and meaningful interactions in German with CSSG peers, instructors, and host family members during her time abroad.  Please introduce yourself to the University of Toronto community. My name is Elizabeth Milena Frynta. I graduated in June 2024 with a major in Peace, Conflict, and Justice Studies and minors in German and political science. I participated in the CSSG program in 2023 and 2024. What motivated you to apply to CSSG? I was motivated to apply to the CSSG because I realized that although I was pleased with my writing, reading, and comprehension skills, my vocabulary outside the classroom was quite limited. I wanted to become fully immersed in German culture. What previous experiences did you have learning German before joining ... Read More »

Emma Rebmann is a third-year Pharmacology and Psychology student at UofT, who is also minoring in German Studies. After participating in CSSG this year, Emma encourages all students who wish to improve their German to apply to the program.  Please introduce yourself to the University of Toronto community  My name is Emma Rebmann. I’m a third-year student at UofT, double majoring in Pharmacology and Physiology, with a minor in German Studies. I participated in CSSG in the summer of 2024 and took GRMN 3446 (third-year German)! What motivated you to apply to CSSG? The program director, Dr. John Plews, presented to my German class about CSSG. The combination of language learning, engaging with a host family, and going on cultural excursions sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse myself fully in the language and culture. What previous experiences did you have learning German before joining the program?  Before attending CSSG, I took Introduction to German (GER100) and Intermediate German (GER 200) at UofT. Please tell us about the learning environment in Kassel. What were your classes and field trips like?  The learning environment in Kassel was more hands-on than I had previously experienced. Instead of only focusing on grammar, we ... Read More »

The Canadian Summer School in Germany (CSSG) is a renowned program that offers students an immersive experience to enhance their German language skills while exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Germany. Each year, students learning German with the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures at UofT travel to Kassel to take part in intensive language courses, cultural excursions, and unique living experiences with host families. In 2024, five outstanding participants shared their transformative journeys through CSSG. These stories highlight not only the academic and linguistic growth achieved during their time in Germany but also the personal connections and unforgettable memories that shaped their experiences. Join us as we celebrate their journeys through interviews and videos that capture the essence of the CSSG experience. Whether you’re a prospective participant or simply curious about life and learning in Germany, these stories are sure to inspire. Elizabeth Frynta is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto’s Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies Program who also minored in German Studies and Political Science. Elizabeth is a two-time CSSG participant who took some time to share her German language journey with us while preparing for graduate school. This year, Elizabeth was awarded the ... Read More »

The German Studies Students’ Union (GSSU) just published the latest edition of the Undergraduate Journal Zeitgeist online:  This new edition features a vibrant mix of academic texts, thought-provoking opinion pieces, creative literary works, and personal experiences shared by our talented undergraduate students.  At Zeitgeist, GSSU believes in providing students with a platform to showcase their diverse voices, perspectives, and academic achievements within the field of German studies. The mission is to foster an inclusive and vibrant scholarly community where students from all backgrounds, years, and disciplines can contribute their unique insights and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue. Through this journal, GSSU seeks to inspire curiosity, foster interdisciplinary connections, and promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of German studies among students and scholars worldwide. By embracing diversity, promoting inclusivity, and valuing academic excellence, Zeitgeist aims to make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of knowledge and scholarship in the field of German studies. We invite you to dive into this exciting collection of articles and join us in celebrating the hard work and creativity of our students. Read More »