The programme comprises a number of mandatory subjects that introduce you to the fields of study, various methods of analysis and interpretation, and key theoretical concepts. You will focus on Cultural Theory and Cultural Studies, as well as tailoring your curriculum by choosing a minor and electives in a wide range of subjects. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or do an internship.
See this recording of our March 2024 live session, in which the LCA Bachelor's programme is illustrated in detail.
The first year of the programme is introductory in character. This means that your courses will provide you with an overview of the entire discipline. You will be introduced to the most important ideas, approaches, debates and topics in the field, and learn about discourse, intertextuality, intermediality, cultural capital, gender, semiotics, cultural memory and more. You will test different ways of analysing and interpreting specific cultural artefacts, including narrative, rhetorical, discourse and visual analysis, and explore a series of case studies to strengthen and expand your analytical and interpretive skills. You will study a number of philosophical concepts that are right at the heart of contemporary debates about the arts, popular culture and literature, and practice ways of relating particular cultural, literary, and artistic objects to different contexts. You will develop specific academic skills, such as academic writing and conducting independent research.
The second and third years of the programme build on the foundations laid in the first year courses, focussing specifically on Cultural Theory and Cultural Studies. In the second year, you will engage with the historical philosophies that have shaped academic and intellectual debates to the present day, as well as contemporary and 20th century literature and cultural theories that have enabled new ways of analysing, interpreting and reflecting on literature, the arts and popular culture. You will be introduced to Cultural Analysis and become familiar with the debates, approaches and concepts that are central to its development in the Humanities. You will also be able to tailor the programme to your own interests by selecting a minor or elective courses in a wide range of subjects.
In the third year of the programme, participate in a research seminar designed to prepare you for your thesis research and writing, and work with your fellow students on concrete case studies ranging from installation art to theatre. You will be able to further specialise in your field of interest through a range of electives or take the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or do an internship. In the course, ‘Philosophy of the Humanities’, you will explore the historical and philosophical background of the Humanities, with a particular emphasis on the literary, cultural and artistic disciplines. You will conclude your Bachelor's programme by writing a Bachelor’s thesis, your first major piece of independent research
Of the 54 general elective credits, at least 12 credits must be degree programme electives. The following courses count as degree programme electives: - Aesthetics and Politics - Bodies in Public - Moving Images in Film and Literature - Introduction to Environmental Humanities - Living On: How to survive the 21st Century armed only with a Humanities degree
Of the 54 general elective credits, at least 12 credits must be degree programme electives. The following courses count as degree programme electives: - Aesthetics and Politics - Bodies in Public - Moving Images in Film and Literature - Introduction to Environmental Humanities - Living On: How to survive the 21st Century armed only with a Humanities degree
Next to your regular courses and your specialisation, you will also have 30 ECTS worth of space to fill by doing electives, a minor, an internship or by studying abroad.
In theory, any course can be taken as an elective, from courses offered by the Faculty of Humanities to those offered by other faculties or even other universities. Most programmes offer separate electives.
A minor is a cohesive teaching programme that consists of 30 ECTS. Doing a minor is not mandatory. However, it may be a good way to prepare for a Master’s programme or for a certain profession.
The programme allows for you to do an internship and/or to study abroad for a period of time.
You can enrich your study programme as well as your CV by doing an internship. This will allow you to gain experience at an organisation in the field of Ancient Studies and gives you an impression of the job opportunities they offer.
The UvA is closely involved with international programmes involved with cooperation and exchange within Europe, the United States and Canada. This gives you the opportunity to study abroad for a period of time.
Would you like to be challenged even more? You can choose to do two Bachelor’s degrees or follow the Honours programme.
The Faculty of Humanities offers the possibility to obtain a degree from two different Bachelor's programmes. By means of exemptions you can obtain two degrees with a reduced effective workload. The double Bachelor's is intended for motivated students who are looking for an extra challenge and/or a broader perspective during their studies.
Highly-motivated students may qualify to take part in a selective Honours programme. This programme accounts for an additional 30 ECTS and will help familiarise you with various other aspects of academic research and prepare you for a subsequent Research Master's degree.
Literary and Cultural Analysis is a three-year Bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS credits. Each academic year accounts for 60 credits (ECTS) and comprises two semesters, with each semester composed of two 8-week blocks and one 4-week block. As a Bachelor’s student, you are expected to spend an average of 42 hours a week on your studies.
It is possible to enroll in this programme as a part-time student.
The Bachelor's programme Literary and Cultural Analysis forms part of the broad label Literary Studies. The quality of this programme has been positively accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that after successful completion of the programme you will receive a recognised Bachelor’s degree in Literary Studies and the title Bachelor of Arts (BA).