Students
Discourse and Argumentation Studies
'The UvA is one of the best universities in the field of argumentation studies'. - Sofia Skrypnyk (Ukraine), Master's student Discourse and Argumentation Studies
Educational background
'I studied Germanic Philology at the Kyiv Shevchenko University.'
Why Discourse and Argumentation Studies?
'After obtaining a BA in Philology, I wanted to follow a Master's programme
more in line with my current interests. The Discourse and Argumentation
programme seemed excellent for me in light of my social interests and linguistic
background. I wanted to be able to analyse the actual language use and explore
its persuasive and argumentative dimensions in-depth.
I chose the UvA because I think that the thriving research culture at Dutch
universities motivates one to intellectually develop further. Moreover, I speak
Dutch and appreciate many aspects of the local culture. At the same time, the
UvA is one of the best universities in the field of argumentation studies.
Another reason why I chose Amsterdam was because I prefer big cities to small
towns.'
About the programme and the University of Amsterdam
'I feel that I have obtained a keen sense of everyday communication processes, and also better understand how language can be used to construct social moods. I now have the tools for evaluating political and advertorial argumentation and can explain things more thoroughly. I intially hoped there would be more emphasis on aspects related to political communication, and expected some insights from social anthropology as well. However, I do appreciate things that we are doing in our programme and I believe that even if one's interests are slightly broader than argumentation theory alone, this programme is an invaluable point of departure for a career in various fields. On top of that, it is undoubtedly an interesting and independent area of study on its own.'
About the differences in class structure in the Netherlands and in the Ukraine
'The class structure is similar in many respects, yet there is less distance between teacher and student in the Netherlands. Other than seminars or personal appointments, there are also more informal possibilities for communicating with professors. For example, we can attend presentations of visiting international scholars who elaborate more one their dissertations, after which we have drinks in one of Amsterdam's classic cafes. It is always a good possibility for a relaxed discussion with your professor and networking with people from the same field of study.'
About Amsterdam and the Netherlands
'I love the very special feeling you get when living in Amsterdam. I travel quite a lot, but in no other place do I feel this cosmopolitan aura. In Amsterdam you are never a foreigner, the city welcomes you immediately and you can't help but feel an "Amsterdammer". Our department is situated in the heart of the city, in old Amsterdam, near the Dam square and the Royal palace. Some of the university buildings are situated right next to the red light district, which makes for many contrasts. Generally, despite its international ambience, Amsterdam preserves a distinct Dutch flavour, and there are enough little parks and cozy cafes to hide from the urban paradise.'
Would you recommend your programme to other students?
'I would definitely recommend this programme to motivated students who are well aware of the academic orientation of DASA, and are ready to live up to it. I am generally satisfied with my study programme and would make the same choice again.'
Tip for new students
'I studied at several different universities, and no matter how good a study programme seems, there are always things that students would like to be different. Many of them prefer not to complain because they don't believe it will change anything. However, in the Netherlands it often does. Do not hesitate to approach professors with suggestions or requests. Your feedback is valued here!'