COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s specialisation in History of Inequality and Power at Leiden University examines how power relations have shaped societies by creating, sustaining, and challenging social, political, and economic inequalities. During your studies, you will investigate how power influenced the dynamics of institutions such as courts, media, universities, hospitals, clubs, and political parties. You will have the opportunity to study themes like slavery, racism, crime, and disease, exploring not only how these issues were addressed in the past but also how they are remembered and represented today. By combining historical depth with contemporary relevance, the program allows you to analyse inequality from both local and global perspectives.The structure of the program is designed to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge, methodological training, and independent research. In the first semester, you will complete a Literature Seminar (10 EC), a Research Seminar (10 EC), and a Research Workshop (10 EC). These courses, taught in small groups, focus on historiographical debates, historical methods, and the interpretation of primary sources, ensuring that you acquire both analytical and practical skills. They are directly related to the specialisation, offering a strong thematic foundation in the study of inequality and power.In the second semester, you will pursue an elective course worth 10 EC, which can be chosen from a wide range of options within or outside the MA in History, or even replaced by an internship to gain practical experience. The semester is also dedicated to your MA thesis (20 EC), which allows you to carry out original research on a self-selected topic within the specialisation. Under the supervision of a faculty member, you will develop your project using Leiden’s broad academic expertise.This program not only deepens your understanding of historical inequalities but also equips you with valuable research, analytical, and critical thinking skills, preparing you for a wide range of academic and professional careers.