James M. Skidmore

James M. Skidmore is Professor and Department Chair of Germanic and Slavic Studies at the University of Waterloo, where he also serves as Director of the Waterloo Centre for German Studies. His academic leadership extends to university governance through his role as a University Senator. He holds an MA and PhD from Princeton University and a BA (Hons) and MA from the University of Saskatchewan.

Skidmore's research explores contemporary German literature and culture through political, historical, and comparative lenses, with special interests in reconciliation narratives, visual culture, and open educational practices. His scholarship examines how political thought manifests in narrative arts and develops innovative approaches to online pedagogy.

His recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary engagement across literary studies, film criticism, education theory, and cultural history. Thematically, they address cultural mediation in globalization, critiques of modern capitalism, World War I literature, and innovative teaching methodologies. Methodologically, they blend textual analysis with cultural theory and pedagogical innovation.

Administratively, he leads departmental operations and directs a research institute supporting German studies scholarship. He has received institutional recognition as a Teaching Fellow and Open Education Fellow through eCampusOntario.

At Waterloo, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including:

• World Cinema and Visual Culture
• Transcultural Studies
• Truth-Reconciliation-Story
• German Thought and Culture
• Research Methods
• The Berlin Project
• Online Teaching and Learning