African Languages and Cultures
| Degree: | Master of Arts in African Languages and Cultures |
|---|---|
| Mode of Study: | Full-time |
| Duration: | 1 year |
| Start date: | September, February |
| Language of instruction: | English |
The MA in African Languages and Cultures – unique in the Netherlands – is a multidisciplinary study, which offers you the chance to take an in-depth look at the African continent from a variety of perspectives. You will study the major historical, cultural, socio-economical and political factors currently affecting the continent, which will give you a solid knowledge base upon which to build post-graduation.
The renowned academic staff, excellent library, museum facilities in the vicinity and interesting possibilities to carry out fieldwork in Africa make this MA a truly rewarding programme.
The information about this programme is available in the following languages:
Programme
The programme is divided into two semesters, made up of both general courses and specialised courses. At the start of the programme you will select one of two main disciplines: African History or African Literature.
African History
Are you aware of the enormous diversity to be found within African society? Regardless of whether you are African or non-African, it is impossible to take a course in African History and exit with the idea that Africa is in some way uniform—either in space or looking across generations. Rather, African history is a celebration of diversity, and thus of possibilities. You will be challenged to—constructively—bring your own prejudices about your own society, and Africa, out into the open.
African Literature
The main aim is to provide you with a deeper understanding of the literary and anthropological approaches to African literature in its broadest context. Concentrating on the many faces of African literature—from orality to modern media and from traditional lore to writings of the African diaspora—you will learn that African literature is as diverse as all other cultural aspects of the continent.
Programme Structure
Fall semester (September)
The first semester is devoted to group teaching and is both a broadening and deepening of your knowledge of African Languages and Cultures as well as a preparation for the MA-thesis. After this first, quite intensive, block of courses, you’ll follow three more courses.
Spring semester (February)
There are no courses in the first half of the spring semester. This enables you to conduct research in Africa or elsewhere or take courses at another university. From April onwards, when you have “returned from the field”, you will start writing your MA thesis. In addition, you will select two so-called regional courses, on particular regions of Africa.
For more details on the course overview, course contents, and the structure of the programme, see the e-Prospectus.
