Literature in Society: Europe and Beyond (MA)

This Master of Arts programme at Leiden University examines the dynamic relationship between literature and society, focusing on how novels, poetry, theatre, and digital media address and influence political and social issues such as identity, migration, memory, and urban life. The curriculum adopts a thematic and transnational approach, analysing literature from both Western and non-Western perspectives to understand its cultural and societal impact. Students engage with critical questions about how literature challenges or reinforces moral standards, shapes political narratives, and constructs collective memory. The programme highlights the interplay between literature and society, including the cultural capital of texts and the embeddedness of literature in broader cultural contexts. Leiden University’s reputation as a leading institution in Western and non-Western languages and cultures provides a robust foundation for this interdisciplinary exploration.

• Engage in thematic analysis of literature from diverse cultural and historical contexts, focusing on its societal impact.
• Explore how literary works reflect and influence political, social, and cultural issues such as identity, migration, and memory.
• Develop critical perspectives on the cultural capital and classification of literary texts and genres.
• Conduct research on the embeddedness of literature within broader cultural and societal frameworks.
• Participate in interdisciplinary discussions and seminars that bridge literature, politics, and cultural studies.
• Develop research projects that address the intersection of literature and society from a transnational viewpoint.