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The role of literary texts and images in society

Literary Studies

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The Master's programme in Literary Studies teaches you to look critically at literary expressions.

There are two specialisations within the Master’s programme in Literary Studies:

English Literature in a Visual Culture
The specialisation English Literature in a Visual Culture is taught entirely in English and focuses on the dynamics between literature and visual culture. This includes, for example, the role of illustrations in 19th century literature or how the choice of a particular cover affects the sale of a book. You will also study the graphic novel, which has long grown well beyond its limitation to superheroes and even deals with themes such as the Holocaust. The content of the courses is linked as much as possible to the scientific research of the lecturers. This helps you become familiar with current developments in the field. 

Nederlandse letterkunde en het literaire veld
The specialisation Nederlandse letterkunde en het literaire veld is taught in Dutch. This specialisation teaches you to independently study and analyse Dutch literary texts from the past and present. This includes the literary-historical context and all literary institutions that we call the literary field. In this way, you will deepen your knowledge of the role that literary texts have played and still play in our society—in the transfer of value, in cultural debate and in the formation of identity. 

The start date of this programme is September 1st.

VU Online Master's Event - Fall 2024

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The Study Programme

Find out what the different possibilities are within the master's programme. More information about the Dutch track 'Nederlandse Letterkunde en het Literaire Veld'? Go to our Dutch page.

Summary

Stories are rarely told using words alone. For instance, 19th century novels were often illustrated, and contemporary fiction is marketed using its cover image. But the relationship between word and image extends beyond the use of one-dimensional illustrations.

The same story can now be told both in a novel and in a film—or even in multiple films, such as with Pride and Prejudice. The graphic novel has grown out of its superheroes-only phase and currently deals with issues such as the Holocaust in Maus. And the video game Resident Evil has spawned as many as seven novels. The analysis of literature is therefore inseparable from visual culture. 

Rooted in VU Amsterdam's tradition of studying the relationship between word and image, English Literature in a Visual Culture focuses on the dynamics of literature and visual culture. The courses in this programme are closely linked to the current research of the academic staff, which keeps you involved in cutting-edge developments in this field. Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to explore your own interests, culminating in an individual research project on which you will write your Master’s thesis. 

Dynamic learning environment
The English Literature in a Visual Culture specialisation attracts various students from all over the world. About half of the students come from abroad. Your learning will take place in seminars with groups of up to twenty students. This small-scale, diverse environment offers lots of opportunities for interaction with staff, lively discussions with peers and a variety of perspectives that will enrich your studies. You will be part of a vibrant academic community in the cultural heart of the Netherlands. 

Courses

  • Master Thesis English Literature
  • Place and Planet in the Anthropocene
  • Seminar The Material Book
  • Reading Images: A Semiotic Approach to Cultural Analysis
  • From Novel to Film: Adaptation Studies
  • The Graphic Novel
  • The Diasporic Experience: Ethnic Cultures of America
  • Gothic Spaces

You will find the study programme in our studyguide.

  • English Literature in a Visual Culture

    Summary

    Stories are rarely told using words alone. For instance, 19th century novels were often illustrated, and contemporary fiction is marketed using its cover image. But the relationship between word and image extends beyond the use of one-dimensional illustrations.

    The same story can now be told both in a novel and in a film—or even in multiple films, such as with Pride and Prejudice. The graphic novel has grown out of its superheroes-only phase and currently deals with issues such as the Holocaust in Maus. And the video game Resident Evil has spawned as many as seven novels. The analysis of literature is therefore inseparable from visual culture. 

    Rooted in VU Amsterdam's tradition of studying the relationship between word and image, English Literature in a Visual Culture focuses on the dynamics of literature and visual culture. The courses in this programme are closely linked to the current research of the academic staff, which keeps you involved in cutting-edge developments in this field. Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to explore your own interests, culminating in an individual research project on which you will write your Master’s thesis. 

    Dynamic learning environment
    The English Literature in a Visual Culture specialisation attracts various students from all over the world. About half of the students come from abroad. Your learning will take place in seminars with groups of up to twenty students. This small-scale, diverse environment offers lots of opportunities for interaction with staff, lively discussions with peers and a variety of perspectives that will enrich your studies. You will be part of a vibrant academic community in the cultural heart of the Netherlands. 

    Courses

    • Master Thesis English Literature
    • Place and Planet in the Anthropocene
    • Seminar The Material Book
    • Reading Images: A Semiotic Approach to Cultural Analysis
    • From Novel to Film: Adaptation Studies
    • The Graphic Novel
    • The Diasporic Experience: Ethnic Cultures of America
    • Gothic Spaces

    You will find the study programme in our studyguide.

Change your future with the Literary Studies programme

Change your future with the Literary Studies programme

With this Master’s programme under your belt, you will have the ideal background to become a teacher (secondary or higher professional education) or to work in publishing or at cultural institutions (e.g. literary festivals). If you have followed the English-language Master's specialisation, you will also be qualified to work as a translator. Of course, you can always choose go into research by pursuing a PhD.

Explore your future prospects
Girl reads a collection of poems