Politics, Culture and National Identities, 1789 to the Present (MA)

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Why study Politics, Culture and National Identities at Leiden University?

You will be part of a master's programme that takes a broad, comparative approach to the study of the political and national identities of a number of European countries and the United States spanning the period from 1789 until the present. The programme takes an international perspective by looking at the relations between different  countries in the Western World instead of the more limited national approaches. Your understanding of how national identities and political views have evolved will enable you to make a valuable contribution to the debates that continue to dominate both public and academic forums, including discussions about the EU, democracy and populism.

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Cultural transfer

You will examine the evolution of the political culture and national identities of countries such as the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, Russia or the United States – and how these countries influenced each other through 'cultural transfer': the adoption of examples from other countries and the inspiration they engender. You will explore how ‘cultural transfer’ can be applied to the political domain, for instance with regard to social movements, parties, parliaments and the use of national symbols and myths.

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History degree

Politics, Culture and National Identities, 1789 to the Present at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme of History. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited master’s degree in History and the title Master of Arts (MA).

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Do you have a question about student life in Leiden, studying at Leiden University or do you want more information about this master's programme? You can get in contact with a student from the programme directly!