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Congratulations to Hannah Robinson – Winner of the 2025 German Studies Canada Best MA Thesis Prize! We are thrilled to announce that Hannah Robinson, current PhD student and former MA student in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures, has been awarded the 2025 German Studies Canada Best MA Thesis Prize! Hannah received this national recognition for her major research paper titled:“Transgressive Translation: Examining Perceptions of Multilinguals as Boundary-Crossers in Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Willehalm.”Her work explores how multilingual individuals are portrayed as figures who cross cultural and linguistic boundaries, offering a compelling analysis of medieval literature through the lens of translation and identity. This achievement also reflects the outstanding guidance Hannah received from her supervisor, Professor Markus Stock, and the valuable support from Professor Enrica Piccardo, affiliate faculty member and expert in multilingualism. 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 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 Aditi Kolluru As President of the German Studies Student Union in the academic year of 2024-25, she has led the executive committee with dedication – overseeing budgeting, administration, and student initiatives that promote German culture and community. Previously, as the Union’s Director of Communications, she managed all outreach and publicity to ensure wide engagement with departmental events. Beyond German Studies, Aditi serves as the Representative for the Hart House Finance Committee on the Board of Stewards, the highest governing body of Hart House, where she contributes to planning events and promoting financial literacy. Her commitment to leadership, volunteerism, and building connections across communities makes her a truly deserving recipient of this award. Excellence in German Studies Award Brian Finn Brian is a dedicated and accomplished student in German Studies, known for his academic excellence and creative engagement with the field. ... Read More »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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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 »

We are thrilled to co-organize the 10th Annual DAAD German Language Teaching and Learning Conference with McGill University on December 9th and 10th! Sponsored by DAAD, this year’s workshop will focus on student engagement and motivation. Registered participants can look forward to engaging research presentations, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. Enhance your teaching skills and connect with fellow educators in a collaborative and inspiring environment! Read More »

Application deadline: 20 December 2024 Read More »