Comparative Literature and Literary Theory

Specialisation of: Media Studies
Degree: Master of Arts in Media Studies
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60830
Share |

The specialisation in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory is devoted to the study of literature from a comparative and theoretical perspective. Offering a wide array of study options, the programme is not limited to the literatures of one specific language or culture, but covers world languages and cultures. It utilises the expertise and infrastructure available through the Faculty of Humanities to stimulate an intercultural approach to literature.

The programme comprises four main fields of study which appear in an integrated form in the different courses. These are listed below and explained in greater detail later on the programme page:

  • Literary Theory
  • Comparative Literature
  • Interculturality (cross-cultural approach)
  • Intermediality (cross-mediatic approach)

An established collaboration agreement exists between the Leiden programme and the MA Programme in Literary Studies taught at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). As a result, you are free to exchange at least one course in the Leiden programme for a course offered in Amsterdam. This arrangement offers you the opportunity to follow a wide variety of literary traditions from around the world.

Prof. Ernst van Alphen

Ernst van Alphen

“For me, literary texts are not so much interesting as an expression or reaction of a culture or period, but as a production factor which constitutes culture or subjectivity.”

“In Leiden we have chosen explicitly for the most recent period, the 19th and 20th centuries, which we study in great depth. A further choice is that we study literature in relation to art and film, using subjects such as interculturality and intermediality.

A characteristic of this Leiden master’s is also that we organise two or three congresses and lectures every semester. The most recent of these were an international three-day congress on the Rhetoric of Sincerity and a mini congress on meaning in music and literature. These kinds of activities enable students to come into contact with recent academic visions.

I am particularly fascinated by the production of literary meaning, and the role that this plays in the formation of subjectivity and cultural memory. For me, literary texts are not so much interesting as an expression or reaction of a culture or period, but as a production factor which constitutes culture or subjectivity. Naturally, I have academic sources of inspiration in this approach to literature, but even more important is the role of literature or sculpture as a source of inspiration.

I do not believe that a literary text is an ‘object’ which necessarily has to be subjected to academic methods; it is more of a discussion partner. I sharpen my views through comparison with literature or sculpture.”