Literature in Society. Europe and Beyond (MA)

About the programme

Programme structure

The programme includes a total of four courses, divided into two semesters. All courses are taught in the form of seminars. One course is obligatory (the core course); the other three are electives. One of the courses may be replaced by an internship; the final thesis is based on a topic of your own choosing.

Core course
The core course 'Literature in Society. Narrative, Fiction and Voice' focuses on the various ways in which literature impacts the social, juridical and political dynamics of Europe today.

Electives developed specifically for Literature in Society

• Crisis, Literature and the Contemporary
• Remapping the City in Modern Literature and Visual Cultures

Related electives
More electives may be chosen from a list of related courses offered in other specializations of Literary Studies: English, French, German, Italian Literature and Culture, or to Dutch Studies, Latin-American Studies, North American Studies or Comparative Literature.

For a detailed programme, please see the Prospectus.

Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year; the curriculum for next year may differ slightly.

Full-time and part-time

You can follow all Literary Studies specializations both full-time and part-time. Please note that the part-time study mode does not offer any evening classes.

Research and academic rigour

All of our teaching staff are internationally active scholars. We regularly update our courses to reflect contemporary academic debates and the very latest insights – many from the research conducted by lecturers on the programme. The academically rigorous design of the programme enables you to develop essential skills in academic writing, critical thinking, , and independent, high-quality academic  research, culminating in your master's thesis.

Ingeborg Morawetz

Student Literature in Society. Europe and Beyond (MA Literary Studies)

"I chose to study Literature in Society, because it’s a unique programme in Europe. It goes far beyond Literature Studies and helps to understand and analyse societal narratives. That made it special for me. And I wasn't disappointed, in one year I learned more about postcolonialism, environmentalism, terrorism and many more currently relevant topics and the ways in which they are perceived and told than I would have considered possible. Reading became a scientific way to look at our world."

From Albert Camus to Jonathan Safran Foer

"If students are considering to study Literature in Society. Europe and Beyond I would show them our reading list: the primary literature goes from Albert Camus to Jonathan Safran Foer, the secondary literature is even more manifold. And I would recommend them to visit the university for one day. Small classes, interesting discussions and a relaxed atmosphere are some of the strongest arguments for studying Literature in Society at Leiden University."

Annelies Schulte Nordholt

University Lecturer

"Literature and film reflect social and political issues, however, it also works the other way around, what happens in literature can also shape our thought on social and political issues. Precisely these reasons make “literature in society” a relevant field of study. The Literature in Society specialization is object-centered, we study primary texts and cinema in their context as well as close reading them. We also work with the theoretical tools we have in literary studies."

Is Literature in Society. Europe and Beyond the programme for you?

Check the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme.

Check the admission requirements