News

Seminar: A Journal of Germanic Studies is pleased to host the 4th Seminar Book Forum on Monday, November 17th, 1–2 PM EST, via Zoom. The forum will feature Todd Kontje discussing his recent book, Global Germany Circa 1800: A Revisionist Literary History (Penn State University Press, 2025). During the event, Kontje will respond to reviews by John Noyes (University of Toronto)Tanvi Solanki (Yonsei University)Chunjie Zhang (UC Davis). Register Here Read More »

Welcome to the latest edition of The View From Here, the 2025 newsletter from the Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures at the University of Toronto. READ THE NEWSLETTER This issue celebrates the vibrant energy of our community – highlighting student achievements, faculty creativity, and our shared commitment to exploring language and culture. It brings together a diverse range of contributions from across the department, including work by Stefan Soldovieri, Angelica Fenner, Hang-Sun Kim, Brian Finn, Elisabeth Lange, Emily Glass, Enrica Piccardo, John Zilcosky, Stefana Gargova, and Walker Horsfall. We hope you enjoy reading about the inspiring work that continues to keep our department thriving. Read More »

Deadline: October 20, 2025 Read More »

Deadline: October 12, 2025 Read More »

Find out if teaching is your thing! Deadline 12 Dec 2025 Read More »

Dear undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty of the German Department: I’d like to invite all of you to our Kaffeestunde (coffee hour), the German Department’s social gathering of faculty, graduate and undergraduate students. Let’s meet and mingle over coffee, tea and Keksen for an informal chat in German. The Kaffeestunde will take place every first Thursday of the month at 1-2pm, and every third Friday of the month from 2-3pm in the Lounge of the German Department, Odette Hall 301. Fall 2025 Dates: Sep 4, Thu, 1-2pmSep 19, Fri, 2-3pmOct 2, Thu, 1-2pmOct 17, Fri, 2-3pmNov 6, Thu, 1-2pmNov 21, Fri, 2-3pmDec 4, Thu, 1-2pm This Kaffeestunde will take place outside of Odette Hall, weather permitting! *Please help us protect the environment and bring your own reusable cup* Stefan SoldovieriChair Read More »

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures will be offering all levels of German language courses in Fall/Winter 2025-26: GER100Y/GER101HS Introduction to German (for absolute beginners, leads to A2.1) SectionTimeInstructorsL0101 OnlineMonday & Wednesday 9:00 AM – 11:00 AMHannah RobinsonStefana GargovaL0201 Monday & Wednesday11:00 AM – 1:00 PMVirginia ShewfeltL0301Monday & Wednesday4:00 PM – 6:00 PMTanya HumeniukL0401Tuesday & Thursday11:00 AM – 1:00 PMTamara SchaadSomaia MostafaL0501Tuesday & Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 AMErol BoranL0601Tuesday & Thursday4:00 PM – 6:00 PMAndre FlickerVirginia ShewfeltL5101Monday & Wednesday6:00 PM – 8:00 PMAndre FlickerTanya HumeniukL5201 OnlineTuesday & Thursday6:00 PM – 8:00 PMLisa Lackner GER200Y/GER201HS Intermediate German 1 (leads to B1.1) SectionTimeInstructorsL0101Monday & Wednesday9:00 AM – 11:00 AMMaria HarutyunanL0201Tuesday & Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 AMAndre FlickerLisa LacknerL5101 OnlineMonday & Wednesday6:00 PM – 8:00 PMLisa LacknerStefana Gargova GER300Y/GER301HS Intermediate German 2 (leads to B2.1) SectionTimeInstructorsL0101Monday & Wednesday11:00 AM – 1:00 PMFlorian GeddesL0201Tuesday & Thursday4:00 PM – 6:00 PMFelix RoesslerLandon ReitzL5101Tuesday & Thursday6:00 PM – 8:00 PMRita Laszlo GER400H Advanced German 1 (leads to C1.1) SectionTimeInstructorL0101Tuesday & Thursday1:00 PM – 3:00 PMErol Boran GER401H Advanced German 2 (leads to C1.2) SectionTimeInstructorL0101Tuesday & Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 AMFlorian Geddes Notes:GER101H, GER201H, and GER301H are the second part of the full-year courses GER100Y, GER200Y, ... Read More »

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 »

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures will be introducing a newly created Certificate in German Language. The Certificate will be available for enrolment starting March 1, 2026. We are excited to be implementing this new offering, and students can enrol in, and track their progress through, certificates just as they would a program (i.e., through ACORN and Degree Explorer). A Certificate is clearly noted on your transcript when completed (please note that there is no separate parchment for a Certificate conferred at convocation).  The Certificate in German Language would formally recognize intermediate-level proficiency in German (as a minimum), broadening academic and professional opportunities for students across disciplines. German language skills directly benefit students in programs such as International Relations, Philosophy, History, Music, Political Science, and Sociology by enabling them to analyze primary sources, engage with case studies, and conduct research in German-speaking contexts. For students in the sciences, engineering or business programs, knowledge of German provides essential communicative skills and cross-cultural competencies, enhancing students’ ability to collaborate effectively in diverse environments and expand their reach into German-speaking markets and communities worldwide. The Certificate will only be available to students who are not enrolled in a minor, major or specialist ... Read More »

The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures will be offering 100- and 200-level German language courses in Summer 2025: GER100Y Introduction to German (for absolute beginners, leads to A2.1) SectionTimeInstructorsL0101 OnlineMTWR 10am – 12pmAndre FlickerLisa LacknerL5101 OnlineMTWR 6 – 8pmElisabeth LangeVirginia Shewfelt GER200Y Intermediate German 1 (leads to B1.1) SectionTimeInstructorsL5101 OnlineMTWR 6 – 8 pmFlorian GeddesRita Laszlo *Students with prior German knowledge should email german.undergradadmin@utoronto.ca to arrange a placement test WHY GERMAN? ● Germany is Europe’s largest economy and ranked third among the world’s largest economies in 2025.● German is Europe’s most widely spoken language.● Germany is a hub of craftsmanship, scientific breakthroughs, culture, and cutting-edge innovation.● Learning German is easier than you think: If you speak English, you’re already ahead! Both languages share similar vocabulary and grammar – so you’ve got a head start. BENEFITS OF LEARNING GERMAN IN SUMMER ●  Achieve A2/B1 level in 12 weeks●  Earn credits to go towards Breadth Requirement●  Earn a Certificate in German Language with GER100 and GER200 completed●  Eligible to apply for iPRAKTIKUM (Internships in Germany) the following summer with sufficient language proficiency ● Prepare for an exchange or research program in Germany● Prepare for graduate studies in Germany with low tuition and ... Read More »