Exploring literature, the arts, and popular culture
Literary and Cultural Analysis offers you the intellectual knowledge and skills to interpret and reflect on literature, art and popular culture. Central to the programme is the hands-on engagement with concrete objects – novels, films, poems, operas, television series, art installations, websites, performances, and so on. The detailed analysis of these objects is combined with wide-ranging philosophical, political and social approaches to culture and the arts. In this way, the programme enables you to interpret and evaluate particular texts, images, and objects in relation to larger philosophical explorations and cultural developments.
In Literary and Cultural Analysis, we study literary texts, film, art, or political speeches and invite scrutiny of the cultural objects we actually deal with daily: youtube clips, tweets, rituals, public demonstrations, photographs, architecture, graffiti, costumes, textiles and so on. Watch our video of a recent case study.
Why study Literary and Cultural Analysis at the UvA?
- A world-class education
The UvA is ranked 58th in the 2023 QS World Rankings, the highest ranked university in the Netherlands and is one of two Dutch universities in the top 100. The UvA is ranked 1st in Continental Europe and 36th overall in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 for English Language and Literature. The UvA also ranks 60th on the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022-2023. - Tailor-made programme
You will be able to combine our core courses with electives in Media Studies, Philosophy, Comparative Literature, Art History and History. - A unique, interdisciplinary programme
The degree combines the best of Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature, offering philosophical and political insights into art, literature and popular culture. - A vibrant community with an international outlook
You will be taught by leading intellectuals focused on contemporary global developments in a student community comprising more than 60 nationalities. - The opportunity to study in Amsterdam
A vibrant and creative European hub with a rich literary and cultural heritage.
While studying I found my interests shift from literature toward theory; the LCA programme is very much theory-based – I love it!Kalliope Bournias, student Literary and Cultural Analysis Read the interview
After graduation
As a graduate of this programme, you will have the skills and knowledge required for a great range of intellectual, research, textual, creative, and critical careers. You will have broad knowledge of cultural phenomena and processes, and you be able to to write clear, informative, and well-structured texts. These are all vital skills for the cultural sector, education, journalism, and the commercial sector. After completing your Bachelor's, you can apply to one of the UvA's many Master's programmes.
Would you like to have an overview of our programme? Request our brochure and receive it directly in your inbox.
Degree certificate
Literary and Cultural Analysis is an accredited degree programme of Literary Studies. Upon successful completion of the programme students will receive a legally accredited Bachelor's degree in Literary Studies and the title Bachelor of Arts (BA).