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.

Discover Literary and Cultural Analysis

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 below for an example of a recent case study:

Webinar Literary and Cultural Analysis

What kind of objects does Literary and Cultural Analysis study? How is meaning produced and shared in the world? How do societies deal with cultural and social issues like migration and climate change? What does our cross-disciplinary approach entail and how does LCA differ from other programmes? Watch our webinar to find out more about LCA:

Is Literary and Cultural Analysis right for you?

Literary and Cultural Analysis the ideal programme for you if:

• You have an active interest in contemporary culture, literature and the arts.
• You are fascinated by philosophical and political questions.
• You have a qualified pre-university diploma – a valid secondary school/high school diploma or Dutch university preparatory education (VWO) diploma.
• You can demonstrate a good command of the English language.

Why study Literary and Cultural Analysis at the UvA?

Literary and Cultural Analysis at the University of Amsterdam offers you:

• A world-class education: the University of Amsterdam is ranked one of the highest in the Netherlands and 64th overall in the QS World University Rankings 2020 and 1st in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019.
• The opportunity to study in Amsterdam, a vibrant and creative European hub with a rich literary and cultural heritage.
• 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 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 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.
• After completing your Bachelor's, you can apply to one of the UvA's many Master's programmes.

Kalliope Bournias: ' While studying I found my interests shift from literature toward theory; the LCA programme is very much theory-based – I love it!' 

Hear what Kalliope and other students have to say

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).