COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s program Literature in Society: Europe and Beyond at Leiden University is structured over two semesters and consists of four courses, all delivered as seminars. One course is compulsory—the core course “Literature in Society: Narrative, Fiction and Voice”—which examines how literature influences social, juridical, and political dynamics in contemporary Europe. The remaining three courses are electives, which can include specialised options such as “Remapping the City in Modern Literature and Visual Cultures” or related electives from other Literary Studies specialisations, including English, French, German, and Italian Literature and Culture, as well as Dutch Studies, Latin American Studies, North American Studies, or Comparative Literature. One course may also be replaced by an internship, and the master’s thesis is based on a research topic chosen by the student.The program is available in both full-time and part-time formats, though part-time study does not include evening classes. Students benefit from instruction by internationally active scholars, and the curriculum is regularly updated to reflect contemporary academic debates and the latest research conducted by the lecturers. This rigorous academic design ensures that students develop essential skills in critical thinking, academic writing, and independent research. The combination of thematic and elective courses, practical opportunities such as internships, and close engagement with leading researchers provides students with a strong foundation to conduct high-quality academic research and complete a master’s thesis that demonstrates both scholarly insight and analytical sophistication.