The Canadian Centre for German and European Studies / Le Centre canadien d’études allemandes et européennes was founded as a cooperative project of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Université de Montréal, and York University. The Centre traces its current strengths in interdisciplinary German studies to its well-established relationship to the DAAD and strategic decisions to hire scholars working on German history, culture, economics and politics across disparate disciplines and faculties at York University. Over time, major developments such as European integration and EU enlargement have changed Germany’s relationship to Europe and thus the issues germane to the Centre’s work.
In light of this dynamic situation, the Centre at York pursues four principal goals:
- To stimulate research on Germany and Europe – The Centre seeks to foster and support faculty and student research on Germany and Europe, especially in areas where Canadian and European interests intersect. The Centre accordingly encourages consideration of “Europe” from a number of vantage points, including supranational, national, regional and/or comparative perspectives and approaches.
- To bring students and faculty together from around the world – Through its scholarship and grant programs as well as its involvement with the worldwide network of DAAD research centers and a growing network of European and North American universities, the Centre fosters student and faculty mobility that encourages closer academic ties, particularly between Canada and Germany and other European countries.
- To educate the next generation of experts on Germany and Europe – The Centre offers a special Graduate Diploma in German and European Studies that equips students to conduct innovative research and nurtures their professional advancement.
- To cultivate knowledge and awareness in Canada of German and European issues – This involves outreach to the private sector, the media and schools across Canada, including sponsorship of special seminars, lecture series and meetings for students, teachers and professionals. The Centre will also establish and maintain contacts with key individuals and institutions in Canada and abroad.
