COURSE CURRICULUM

The Contemporary Literature & Culture MA at Loughborough University offers a comprehensive program designed to deepen students’ understanding of modern British and American literature and culture. In the first semester, students engage with core modules including Resources for Advanced Research, Preserving the Past: Contemporary Literature and Culture, and Contemporary Literature and Culture, which collectively provide a strong foundation in literary analysis, research methodologies, and critical approaches to contemporary texts. The second semester builds on this knowledge with practical and specialised modules such as Literary Festival Management: Planning, Delivering, Evaluating, which equips students with the skills to organise cultural events, and The Market, Literary Prizes and Canon Formation, which explores the influence of literary awards on the production and reception of literature. Additionally, Twenty-First Century U.S. Literature and Culture offers an in-depth study of contemporary American literary trends and their cultural contexts. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, synthesising analytical, creative, and critical skills developed throughout the course. By combining practical experience, advanced literary analysis, and cultural insight, the MA prepares graduates for careers in academia, publishing, cultural management, and other creative industries, while fostering a deep engagement with the literary and cultural landscape of the twenty-first century.