Why Germanic & Slavic studies?
Our programs
Applying to UVic
German, Russian and Ukrainian Languages and Cultures
The Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies categorically condemns the unprovoked attack of Russia on sovereign Ukraine. We deplore the unconscionable loss of civilian life, the displacement of millions of Ukrainians and the on-going humanitarian crisis. We denounce the actions of the Russian state and those who support it, inside and outside of Russia, and we recognize the bravery with which thousands of Russians have spoken out against the war. In a time of deepening divisions, we are grateful for the strength and unity of the many, be they Canadian, Ukrainian, Russian or other, who oppose the criminal actions of the Russian government. We stand with Ukraine and its heroic defenders.
In solidarity with our Ukrainian and Ukrainian-Canadian colleagues, students and community members, we would like to ask you to support the efforts of organizations working to help Ukrainians during this crisis.
Donations can be made through the links to their websites:
Canadian Red Cross
- donations to the Ukraine campaign are matched 1 to 1 by Ottawa
- https://www.redcross.ca/
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-government-to-match-donations-1.6365355
UNICEF Canada Ukraine campaign
Canada-Ukraine Foundation
- donations can be directed to any one of their several humanitarian projects in Ukraine
- https://www.cufoundation.ca/cuf-ucc-ukraine-humanitarian-relief/
With gratitude,
The Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies
Whether you want to build your language and cultural skills or prepare to live and work abroad, Germanic and Slavic studies can help you understand your place in the world.
The Germanic and Slavic Studies Department was the perfect place for me to learn, explore, and grow over the course of my Master's. While I was in the Slavic Stream, I was fortunate enough to also gain a deeper understanding of German culture, German thinkers, and Holocaust memory, and work with scholars from Hungary, Germany, France, and Israel, in addition to my own research on Jewish-Russian life. This interdisciplinary and international, hands-on collaboration is part of what makes the department so special. My education did not end at the walls of the classroom or the boundaries of Ring Road, and for that I will always be grateful.
— Ethan Calof, MA in Slavic Studies (2019)
Our programs promote critical inquiry, engage multiple voices and inspire creative expression.
We offer language courses in German, Russian and Ukrainian, and we explore film, literature and cultural studies that introduce you to the histories, cultures and current events of Germanic and Slavic countries.
