German Literature and Culture

Specialisation of: Literary Studies
Degree: Master of Arts in Literary Studies
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: German
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60813
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Run jointly by Leiden University’s Department of German, the University of Amsterdam, the University of Utrecht and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, you will be able to take advantage of a broad range of specialised courses on the programme, and will benefit from each university’s specific teaching and research methods. The department’s research is particularly strong in the fields of modern literature and cultural studies. Thus Leiden offers a programme that strongly focuses on an intercultural perspective.

In this specialisation you will concentrate on literature from the two most recent eras—the 20th and 21st centuries. You will study literary texts based on the link they have to other forms of discourse—e.g. public debates—and the way they are viewed as special textual representations of constructions of identity, reflections on the past, political discourse and so on.

You will also study such theories as intertextuality, cultural poetics, identity theories, reception theories, historiography and so on. You will discover the department’s approach to literature—and the other textual representations discussed—makes it a part of a broader discipline of Cultural Studies.

Prof. Anthonya Visser

Anthonya Visser

“Germany is an exciting country with a fascinating history.”

“My specialist area is modern German literature, in particular poetry, intertextuality, cultural theory and cultural science.

In 2004 I was awarded a research subsidy by NWO (the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research), which I use to conduct research, supported by a PhD student and a post-doc, into how identity issues are handled in literature. We in the Netherlands believe we have our hands full with integrating newcomers into our society; Germany also has newcomers, but has the additional problem of integrating East and West Germany.

Germany is an exciting country with a fascinating history. It is also our biggest neighbour. Knowledge of the language and culture of Germany is important for acquiring a better understanding of our own Dutch identity. Our identity is interwoven with that of the German people, although today the Dutch look more towards the West.

Leiden University has a long research tradition from which we can benefit in this programme. There are many courses which complement our own research programmes. Students can also approach me with a proposal for a tutorial. As lecturer, I want to support and facilitate the research role of students.

Leiden works closely with the Vrije Universiteit, the University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University. This co-operation allows us to combine our areas of expertise.”