The Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures offers Ph.D. students a generous funding package that is guaranteed for five years. Sixth-year students are eligible for a doctoral completion grant. We are also able to fund many students in our one-year MA program with a combination of teaching opportunities and internal fellowships. Applications to the Graduate Program in German Literature, Culture and Theory must be submitted through the School of Graduate Studies online application website. The complete application includes: the online form submission of transcripts (please submit electronic transcripts, originals are only required after admission) letters of recommendation (MA:2, PhD:3) a brief resume a sample of written work a statement of up to 700 words outlining your research interests and reasons for embarking on graduate study Please consult the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Calendar and the departmental Graduate Handbook for details on eligibility criteria. Additional information may be obtained from the SGS Admissions page, the SGS Degree Progams Quick Facts (MA) and Degree Programs Quick Facts (PhD), and the SGS application FAQ. The deadline for online application and payment of the application fee is 15 January 2025. Rolling admission is in progress for the MA program to commence Fall 2025. ... Read More »
Homepage slider
Student Spotlight | iPRAKTIKUM futurGenerator
The iPRAKTIKUM futurGenerator program offers German learners the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting through internships with partner organizations across Germany. Since 2019, more than 25 students have participated in this enriching experience—18 in Freiburg, 8 in Berlin, and 1 in Leipzig. Through hands-on work and cultural immersion, they have gained valuable professional insights and deepened their connection to German language and society. In this spotlight, we share the stories of past participants and how this program has shaped their academic and career journeys. Rudy Yuana 3rd-year student who interned with Agrikultur e.V. through iPRAKTIKUM. Rudy is now pursuing a research paper on how agroecological practices can strengthen food security in the face of uncertain global trade. Renee Asoro4th year student Renee Asoro appreciated the flexibility that the iPRAKTIKUM futurGenerator summer internship program provided which allowed her to set her own goals and have enriching and unforgettable experiences outside of her placement.After completing her futurGenerator internship with Die Agronauten e.V. in Freiburg, Germany, Renee went on to complete the DAAD Research Internship in Science and Engineering (RISE) program in Bonn. Renee credits her iPRAKTIKUM experience for encouraging and preparing her to pursue further research and education opportunities in ... Read More »
Academic Lecture by Prof. Tobias Hof | 4pm, Feb 27, 2025
You are warmly invited to an academic lecture by Prof. Tobias Hof, DAAD Associate Professor for German Studies and History at the University of Toronto. Lecture Title:‘Völkisch Visions’: The Artist Johann Bossard, National Socialism, and the Legacy of an IdeologyDate: Thursday, February 27, 2025Time: 4:00 PMLocation: Charbonnel Lounge, Elmsley Hall About the Lecture:The term ‘völkisch’ has reemerged in German public discourse, fueled by the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland. But what lies beneath this ideology? Through the lens of artist Johann Michael Bossard (1874–1950) and his Gesamtkunstwerk in the Lüneburg Heath (built 1911–1950), the talk explores the origins and worldview of the völkisch movement. It examines not only its ties to and distinctions from National Socialism but also the remarkable endurance of völkisch networks long after the end of World War II. About the Speaker: Tobias Hof is DAAD Associate Professor for German Studies and History at the University of Toronto. He was previously the 2022/2023 Hannah Arendt Visiting Chair at the Munk School for Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, DAAD Visiting Professor at the History Department at UNC Chapel Hill and a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Washington University in St. Louis. He received his Ph.D. from the University in ... Read More »
First-Year Vampire Course GER194 Spotlighted on A&S News
For Maxx Calame, a first-year student and self-proclaimed vampire connoisseur, enrolling in GER194H Our Vampires, Ourselves was a defining factor in choosing the University of Toronto. This captivating course, taught by Professor Erol Boran, delves into the cultural and historical significance of vampires, examining how these immortal figures reflect societal fears, desires, and transformations. With a syllabus that spans classic and contemporary vampire tales—Dracula, Carmilla, True Blood, Twilight, and more—students explore the ever-evolving nature of these creatures. “Vampires change with the times, but very often they’re presented as out of time,” says Professor Boran, highlighting the paradox that keeps vampires endlessly fascinating. The course offers students the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, analyze literary and cinematic depictions of vampires, and consider how these figures serve as mirrors of our own experiences. Whether students arrive as long-time enthusiasts of vampire lore or as newcomers to the genre, GER194H promises a fresh and compelling perspective on these legendary beings. Read more about this fantastic course in A&S News by Cynthia Macdonald. Read More »
Book Launch: Alternative Temporalities: The Emancipatory Power of Narrative
The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures is pleased to announce the publication of Alternative Temporalities: The Emancipatory Power of Narrative, co-authored by Teresa Valentini, Angela Weiser, and John Zilcosky. About the Authors:John Zilcosky is professor of German and Comparative Literature at the University of Toronto. He has won the MLA’s Scaglione Book Award and the Humboldt Foundation’s Bessel Research Prize. Zilcosky is a 2013 fellow of the US National Endowment for the Humanities and a 2022 Guggenheim Fellow. Teresa Valentini is a recent PhD graduate from the Centre for Comparative Literature at the University of Toronto and the recipient of the two-year Faculty of Arts and Science Postdoctoral Fellowship Award at the University of Toronto. Her recent articles have appeared in Forum for Modern Language Studies, the James Joyce Quarterly, and Quaderni di Italianistica. Angela Weiser is a writer and editor and holds an MA in Comparative Literature from the University of Toronto. Her projects include research assistance for the book Cloth that Changed the World: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz (Yale and Royal Ontario Museum, 2020) and corresponding exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum. About Alternative Temporalities: The Emancipatory Power of Narrative: Alternative temporalities have often emerged as a reaction to the normativizing force of time, ... Read More »
Academic Presentation by Astrid Klee on January 30
You are warmly invited to an academic presentation by Astrid Klee, PhD candidate in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures.Presentation Title:Representations of Mental Illness in the Patient Cases of Emil Kraepelin’s Einführung in die Psychiatrische Klinik (Introduction to Psychiatric Practice)Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025Time: 4:00 PMLocation: Odette Hall, Room 323About the Speaker: Astrid Klee’s research is a starting point for reassessing the descriptions of normative behaviour and deviance from norms within the context of psychiatric cases and how these preconceptions extend into current language use. Scientific language is used to convey a sense that what is written is incontrovertible fact, and this research not only provides insight into the use and manipulation of language in cases of insanity but also re-evaluates perceptions of otherness within culture. Presentation Description:In her dissertation project, Klee demonstrates how an examination of patient cases presented in Kraepelin’s Einführung in die Psychiatrische Klinik not only reveals the logic of Kraepelin’s development of a system of categorization, it also reveals a subtext of cultural and personal preconceptions.Emil Kraepelin (1856-1926), whom some consider to be the father of modern psychiatry, is credited with developing the psychiatric classification system that is still used today. The latest version of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and ... Read More »
Explore Languages and Cultures at UofT – Don’t Miss January 24, 2025!
Join Us for Language & Culture Day! The Global Languages Initiative is thrilled to invite you to Language & Culture Day, the biggest outreach event showcasing the rich diversity of language programs and cultural offerings at UofT’s St. George campus! When: Friday, January 24, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PMWhere: Lobby of Sidney Smith Hall Why attend?Whether you’re eager to expand your language skills, deepen your connection to cultural roots, or explore foreign languages and cultures, this event is for you! What to Expect: Engaging language and culture-based activitiesOpportunities to connect with professors, graduate students, and peers from over 10 programsInsights into study and internship opportunities abroad Bring your friends and join us for this vibrant celebration of languages at UofT. Discover the incredible variety of languages you can learn—all in one place! Read More »
iPRAKTIKUM futurGenerator Internships in Germany Summer 2025 (Deadline extended!)
Apply now! Deadline 15 January 2025 Read More »
2024 Newsletter Out Now!
Out now! Read More »
Student Spotlights | 2024 Canadian Summer School in Germany (CSSG)
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 »