GER 100 Zeitgeist and Popular Culture0.50 units
An introduction to life, society, and culture in modern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
- Taught in English.
German (GER)
42 undergraduate courses in the 2026–27 Undergraduate Calendar, and 50 graduate courses in the Fall 2026 Graduate Calendar.
Undergraduate
GER 101 Elementary German 10.50 units
This course aims to bring German language, culture, and everyday life into the classroom. Students with little or no prior knowledge are introduced to the structure of German and develop their listening/comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Classes are communicative and emphasize interaction in German. Online exercises and audio/video materials accompany each chapter of the textbook.
- Antirequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Not completed: 4U German
- Not open to students with native, near-native, or similar advanced ability
- Complete all of the following
GER 102 Elementary German 20.50 units
A continuation of GER 101.
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed the following:
- GER101 - Elementary German 1 (0.50)
- Must have completed the following:
- Antirequisites
- Complete all of the following
- Not completed: 4U German
- Not open to students with native, near-native, or similar advanced ability
- Complete all of the following
GER 120 Once Upon a Fairy Tale: Fairy Tales, Then and Now0.50 units
This course studies fairy tales in the broader context of the history of childhood and practices of education and socialization. The course will focus on fairy tales of German and Russian origins and consider their interpretations and reinterpretations in different historical periods. This may include figures from the Brothers Grimm and Alexander Afanasyev, such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Red Riding Hood, and the Firebird.
- Taught in English.
- Cross-listed
- REES 120
GER 130 Norse Mythology0.50 units
This course introduces students to the medieval myths and legends of the Norse peoples using original sources in translation. It explores Norse mythology in the context of historical and archaeological evidence and reflects on the purposes served by contemporary adaptations such as the television series "Vikings: Valhalla" or the "Thor" movies, which are ubiquitous in popular culture, but bear little resemblance to the myths they purport to represent. Through close reading/viewing, writing, and discussions, the course builds historical, cross-cultural, and literary competencies.
- Taught in English.
- Cross-listed
- MEDVL 130
GER 180 German and Russian Literary Masterpieces0.50 units
An examination of major Russian and German literary works that have influenced world literature.
- Taught in English.
- Cross-listed
- REES 180
GER 201 Intermediate German 10.50 units
This course continues the work of GER 101 and GER 102. It offers practice in speaking, reading, and writing, with vocabulary building, grammar, and exercises in comprehension.
- Prerequisites
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- GER102 - Elementary German 2 (0.50)
- Must have completed the following: 4U German
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Antirequisites
- Not open to students with native, near-native, or similar advanced ability
GER 202 Intermediate German 20.50 units
Strengthening of communicative skills, grammar review, vocabulary building, written practice, and conversation on issues of contemporary life in German-speaking countries.
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed the following:
- GER201 - Intermediate German 1 (0.50)
- Must have completed the following:
- Antirequisites
- Not open to students with native, near-native, or similar advanced ability
GER 211 Contemporary German Language and Culture0.50 units
This course develops reading, writing, and oral skills, and intercultural competence.
- Prerequisites
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- GER102 - Elementary German 2 (0.50)
- Must have completed the following: 4U German
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
GER 230 Vikings!0.50 units
This course will examine the Viking Age cultures, which flourished in Northern Europe and beyond from c. 800 to 1100 CE. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the Viking Age and to deepen students' understanding of the processes through which peoples in the present give meaning to the past.
- Taught in English; no knowledge of other languages required.
- Antirequisites
- Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in:
- Cross-listed
- MEDVL 230
GER 250 Performance German 10.50 units
This course improves students' oral and written skills via creative performances in our everyday life. Students will be actively involved in marketing products, conducting job interviews, writing résumés, improvising theatre skits, hosting poetry slams, or even instructing yoga - all in German.
- Prerequisites
- Antirequisites
- Not completed: 4U German
GER 261 Understanding Conversation0.50 units
This course examines the connection between conversation and cultural identities. Looking at conversation means looking at language structures and language choice but also at gesture, gaze, laughter, and emojis. We will analyze everyday conversation as well as interaction in digital contexts, with the goal of discovering how linguistic and multimodal choices convey and construct who we are.
- Taught in English.
- Cross-listed
- REES 261
GER 262 Multilingualism0.50 units
This course examines the concept of multilingualism in society from a social, cultural, and linguistic perspective. It covers topics such as multilingualism in the media, endangered languages, language and identities, language maintenance and loss, language planning and politics, and multilingual education.
- Taught in English.
- Cross-listed
- REES 262
GER 271 German Thought and Culture: Objects0.50 units
An exploration of human-made objects that open up perspectives on German-speaking society and culture. Objects to be studied might include the Berlin Wall, the swastika, Luther's Bible, donairs, and Volkswagens. Students acquire skills in cultural analysis and learn about major developments in literature, philosophy, religion, art, architecture, and music.
- Taught in English.
GER 272 German Thought and Culture: People0.50 units
An exploration of key figures whose contributions to the arts and intellectual life have shaped German-speaking society and culture. Persons to be studied might include Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, Leni Riefenstahl, and Hannah Arendt. Students acquire skills in cultural analysis and learn about major developments in literature, philosophy, religion, art, architecture, and music.
- Taught in English.
GER 283 The Holocaust and Film0.50 units
An examination of the Holocaust as portrayed in feature films and documentaries. Do cinematic attempts capture the horror of the Holocaust faithfully, or trivialize it? The background to anti-semitism, use of religious imagery in propaganda films, and what counts as success or failure in cinematic representations are discussed.
- Cross-listed
- JS 233, RCS 272
GER 286 Great German Thinkers0.50 units
An introduction to and examination of the thought of one important figure (such as Leibniz, Kant, Nietzsche, or Heidegger) or school (such as Idealism, Romanticism, or phenomenology) of German philosophy. The choice of the philosopher(s) studied varies from term to term.
- Cross-listed
- PHIL 286J
GER 298 Topics in Cultural Studies0.50 units
Selected topics in cultural studies.
GER 299 German Abroad0.50 units
This immersion course provides students with an introduction to and a familiarity with selected topics in German-speaking environments. The topics range from history and culture, to language and linguistic varieties in the German-speaking world, as well as arts and the German-speaking media landscape. Course offerings include classes abroad as well as field trips.
GER 301 Language, Culture, and Identity0.50 units
This course provides an introductory overview of fundamental concepts of language, culture, and identity and relates them to foreign/second language learning and teaching. The course is not language-specific but rather addresses general questions related to learning and using more than one language.
- Taught in English.
GER 303 Interactive German Language and Culture0.50 units
This course develops German language skills and cultural awareness. Discussions include such topics as Heimat, nation, migration, and study abroad. Students will engage with and reflect on different social and cultural perspectives through interviews, videos, and texts. Online interactions, including with people in and from Germany, form an integral part of the course.
- This course is offered through University of Guelph in alternating years, but is always available to both University of Waterloo and University of Guelph students.
- Prerequisites
GER 304 Reading and Translating0.50 units
Students learn strategies for understanding a variety of texts such as newspaper reports, manuals, and fiction. Translation exercises are used to improve language skills.
- Prerequisites
GER 307 German for Professional Purposes0.50 units
This language course teaches students the skills needed to function in German business and professional environments. Praxis-oriented language and intercultural training are combined with a discussion of the German business world.
- Prerequisites
GER 308 German Through Comics0.50 units
German-language comic strips and graphic novels enable students to explore modern language use. Colloquial German language skills are sharpened in this course, and the place of the comic strip and graphic novel in society is discussed.
- Prerequisites
GER 330 Infamous Lovers0.50 units
The medieval love story "Tristan and Isolde" guides an exploration of transgressive, requited, passionate, sexual love across the centuries. We analyze the medieval German text in translation, study adaptations of the story and theme in different media (writing, film, opera) in later centuries, and consider change across time in the ways that people imagine the loving self in the social world.
- Taught in English.
- Cross-listed
- MEDVL 330
GER 331 Exploring German Language and Literature0.50 units
An introduction to German studies through close engagement with one specific topic. This course prepares students for advanced undergraduate courses in German studies by developing historical, theoretical, and methodological knowledge as well as the language skills necessary for reading literature and analyzing language.
- Prerequisites
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
- GER211 - Contemporary German Language and Culture (0.50)
- GER299 - German Abroad (0.50)
- GER303 - Interactive German Language and Culture (0.50)
- GER304 - Reading and Translating (0.50)
- GER307 - German for Professional Purposes (0.50)
- GER308 - German Through Comics (0.50)
- GER350 - Performance German 2 (0.50)
- GER399 - German Abroad (0.50)
- Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
GER 350 Performance German 20.50 units
This course improves students' more advanced oral and written skills via creative performances in our everyday life. Students will be actively involved in marketing products, conducting job interviews, writing résumés, improvising theatre skits, hosting poetry slams, or even instructing yoga - all in German.
- Prerequisites
- Complete 1 of the following
- Must have completed the following:
- GER201 - Intermediate German 1 (0.50)
- Must have completed the following: 4U German
- Must have completed the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
GER 359 Topics in German Film0.50 units
Selected topics in German film.
- Cross-listed
- FINE 359
GER 362 German Film Classics0.50 units
Masterpieces of German film from the silent era to present.
- Taught in English.
- Prerequisites
- Students must be in level 2A or higher
- Cross-listed
- FINE 362
GER 363 German Filmmakers in Hollywood0.50 units
An examination of the work of filmmakers who have made a mark in both European and American cinema.
- Taught in English.
- Prerequisites
- Students must be in level 2A or higher
- Cross-listed
- FINE 363
GER 364 German and Russian Film Pioneers0.50 units
An examination of early German and Russian cinema, and the way these two film industries influenced each other. Influential theories of film from the period will also be studied.
- Taught in English.
- Prerequisites
- Students must be in level 2A or higher
- Cross-listed
- FINE 364, REES 364
GER 383 Culture in the Third Reich: Racism, Resistance, Legacy0.50 units
An examination of German culture during the Nazi period (1933-1945). The course will analyze representations of Nazi ideology in the arts (film, art, architecture, and propaganda), the literature of exile and "inner emigration", and the impact of the Nazi legacy on post-war German culture.
- Taught in English.
GER 385 Culture Behind the Iron Curtain0.50 units
An examination of the culture of the Soviet Union, the German Democratic Republic, and other states that experimented with socialism in the 20th century. Representations of Marxist-Leninist and Stalinist ideologies in literature, cinema, and the arts; the role of the state in directing cultural expression; and resistance to totalitarian control of culture are examined. Western representations of the Cold War are also studied.
- Taught in English.
- Cross-listed
- REES 385
GER 395 Waterloo in Germany Program2.50 units
Study abroad at a German university in the fall term.
GER 396 Waterloo in Germany Program2.50 units
Study abroad at a German university in the winter term.
GER 397 Waterloo in Germany Program2.50 units
Study abroad at a German university in the spring term.
GER 398 Topics in Cultural Studies0.50 units
Selected topics in cultural studies.
GER 399 German Abroad0.50 units
This immersion course provides students with an introduction to and a familiarity with selected topics in German-speaking environments. The topics range from history and culture, to language and linguistic varieties in the German-speaking world, as well as arts and the German-speaking media landscape. Course offerings include classes abroad as well as field trips.
GER 407 Experiential Learning and Transcultural Skills Development0.50 units
This course offers an immersive experience in a professional setting in a German-speaking country, company, or community partner. Through extensive written reflection on work tasks, experiences and their cultural environment, students develop German language skills; transcultural skills; and their ability to identify the skills developed in and out of the classroom.
- Due to the costs involved with working in a foreign country, paid positions are eligible for credit in the course.
GER 431 Senior Seminar0.50 units
Topics in German literary and cultural studies and linguistics chosen by the instructor in consultation with the School of Critical and Creative Humanities. These courses reflect research interests of the faculty and form part of a well-rounded undergraduate education in "Germanistik".
- Corequisites
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
- GER331 - Exploring German Language and Literature (0.50)
- Completed or concurrently enrolled in:
GER 490 Senior Honours Project0.50 units
German Honours students in their third or fourth year may complete, with permission from the School of Critical and Creative Humanities, a major project, the results of which must be presented in a substantial essay. The topic should reflect the student's field of interest.
- The project will be assessed and graded by two faculty members.
- Prerequisites
- Students must be in level 3A or higher
GER 495 Reading Course in Approved Topics0.50 units
Reading course in topics chosen in consultation with an advisor.
Graduate
From the Fall 2026 Graduate Calendar.
GER 600 Methods of Research0.50 units
A course designed to foster an understanding of the fundamental notions of critical inquiry and to provide training in intellectual and practical skills common to research in the areas of applied linguistics, film and literary studies.
- Cross-listed
- GER 700
GER 601 Approaches in Linguistics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 701
GER 602 Approaches in Literary and Cultural Theory0.50 units
Major currents in twentieth-century literary theory are discussed and applied to primary texts so that students can develop their own critical position.
- Cross-listed
- GER 702
GER 603 Approaches in Language Didactics0.50 units
Approaches in Language Didactics
- Cross-listed
- GER 703
GER 604 Approaches in Film and Performance Theory0.50 units
Approaches in Film and Performance Theory
- Cross-listed
- GER 704
GER 610 Topics in German Linguistics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 710
GER 611 Topics in Second Language Acquisition and Computer Assisted Language Learning0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 711
GER 612 Topics in Sociolinguistics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 712
GER 613 Topics in Discourse Analysis0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 713
GER 614 Topics in Linguistic Theory0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 714
GER 615 Topics in Language Education0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 715
GER 620 Topics in German Literature and Culture0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 720
GER 621 Topics in Comparative Literature and Culture0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 721
GER 622 Topics in Film and Electronic Media0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 722
GER 623 Topics in Literature and Cultural Theory0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 723
GER 695 Reading Courses in Approved Topics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
GER 700 Methods of Research0.50 units
A course designed to foster an understanding of the fundamental notions of critical inquiry and to provide training in intellectual and practical skills common to research in the areas of applied linguistics, film and literary studies.
- Cross-listed
- GER 600
GER 701 Approaches in Linguistics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 601
GER 702 Approaches in Literary and Cultural Theory0.50 units
Major currents in twentieth-century literary theory are discussed and applied to primary texts so that students can develop their own critical position.
- Cross-listed
- GER 602
GER 703 Approaches in Language Didactics0.50 units
Approaches in Language Didactics
- Cross-listed
- GER 603
GER 704 Approaches in Film and Performance Theory0.50 units
Approaches in Film and Performance Theory
- Cross-listed
- GER 604
GER 710 Topics in German Linguistics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 610
GER 711 Topics in Second Language Acquisition and Computer Assisted Language Learning0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 611
GER 712 Topics in Sociolinguistics0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 612
GER 713 Topics in Discourse Analysis0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 613
GER 714 Topics in Linguistic Theory0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 614
GER 715 Topics in Language Education0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 615
GER 720 Topics in German Literature and Culture0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 620
GER 721 Topics in Comparative Literature and Culture0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 621
GER 722 Topics in Film and Electronic Media0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 622
GER 723 Topics in Literature and Cultural Theory0.50 units
Consult the schedule of classes for specific topics being offered.
- Cross-listed
- GER 623
GER 751 Topics in Linguistic Methodology0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 752 Topics in Theories and Models of Applied Linguistics0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany
GER 753 Topics in Theories and Methods of Cultural and Literary Studies0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 754 Topics in Theories and Conceptions of Modernity0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 761 Topics in Interaction and Text0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 762 Topics in Research Directions in Language Acquisition and Multilingualism0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 763 Topics in Sociology of Language and Cultural Differentiation0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 764 Topics in History of Language0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 765 Topics in German Grammar0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 771 Topics in Individual and Society in Historical Transformation0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 772 Topics in Aesthetic Transformations and Theoretical Concepts0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 773 Topics in Intercultural Perspectives, Post-colonial Constellations & Transnational Discourses0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 774 Topics in German Literature and Culture Before 17000.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 775 Topics in Modern German Literature0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 780 Topics in Media Studies0.50 units
This course is taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 790 Topics in Intercultural Perspectives0.50 units
This course is normally taught in Mannheim, Germany.
GER 791 Academic Writing0.50 units
Writing skills do provide an important tool in the academic world and are necessary for writing essays, presentations and research papers. However well you know your subject, it is not necessarily an easy task to talk and write about it. Therefore this course is designed for students who want to develop or imporove their academic writing skills and presentation techniques. The focus of the course is on processes of generating ideas, collecting information, and establishing a thesis statement. Furthermore it also gives an introduction to the development, structure, argumentation forms, and stylistic issues of academic papers with special attention to North American usage. This course is taught either in Waterloo or Mannheim Germany.
GER 792 Master's Thesis Colloquium0.25 units
The function of the MA Colloquium is the preparation and discussion of the MA thesis. It covers key components of the thesis and the writing process, such as theoretical reflection on relevant literary, cultural, linguistic or media theories, research methodologies, existing research and the writing of a research report, as well as techniques for presenting research results.
GER 793 Knowledge Transfer & Reflection0.25 units
The course encompasses two learning elements: A Knowledge Transfer Project and an Intercultural Reflection. Both elements are designed to encourage reflection on your academic and experiential learning progress and to engage with a wider audience.