Why this programme?

Contemporary Literature and Arts: Cultural Interventions and Social Justice

In this specialisation you will start from a definition of social justice as the fair and equal access to wealth, opportunities and privileges in society, which includes socio-environmental justice. You will then learn to critically research and understand how contemporary literature and arts grapple with these—and other—ethical challenges. Debates about the ethics of aesthetics are at the heart of scholarly debate about literature and arts in the 21st century and the curriculum is guided by the knowledge that it is important to bring a humanities perspective to current societal debates and to global challenges such as climate change and increasing social inequalities. This specialisation asks how the humanities can make a difference in society.

What will you learn?

The MA Contemporary Literature and Arts will teach you to critically reflect on the value and the future of the humanities in the 21st century. You will learn how to understand contemporary literature and arts as means of engagement with issues of social justice. You will learn to critically analyse the meaning, political power, and social impact of various contemporary cultural practices, including artistic research. The programme will teach you to understand contemporary literature and arts not just as reflections on and/or representations of issues of social justice, but as active interventions in the spheres of politics and society at large. The programme will also teach you the necessary skills and competences to successfully understand, navigate and respond to urgent global challenges in the 21st century.

About UM - Faculties - FASOS box image prospective BA students

Our teaching staff on the content of the programme:

Skills training

Integrated into the curriculum, you will follow skills trainings on academic writing at advanced level, finding relevant literature, theoretical reflection, and research methods in the humanities and qualitative social sciences.

Internships

The Contemporary Literature and Arts specialisation offers a rich field for internships with organisations that direct or investigate cultural policy, examine social interactions or work for social or political change. You can also work within the spheres of criticism, journalism, the media and politics. You can choose to do the internship in the Netherlands or abroad.

Finding placements for internships will be primarily your own responsibility, but our staff will assist you. You can look for an internship with journals, museums, literary festivals, etc.

Problem-Based Learning

As with many Maastricht University programmes, Contemporary Literature and Arts is taught using Problem-Based Learning (PBL). In tutorial groups of 12 to 15 students, you will seek solutions to concrete ‘problems’ taken from situations involving current issues in art, literature and culture. Instructors act as facilitators, giving help as it is needed. This allows you to develop the independence and problem-solving skills that you will need in the field.

Teaching methods

The specialisation Contemporary Literature and Arts offers an integrated curriculum based on a combination of different didactic formats:

Tutorial groups: this is the working centre of PBL. The groups are small, and are facilitated by a tutor, but students take it in turn to chair and focus discussion. You form learning objectives as a group and conduct research independently or in teams. You then present your results to one another, actively analysing the problem through discussion and debate.
Master meetings: meetings during which alumni tell about their career after their master’s.
Lectures: lecturers and speakers provide an overview and expert insights into specific topics. Moreover, they will bring students in contact with professionals and academics in the field.

International classroom

From day one of this programme, you will be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over the world, 77% of our students and 42% of our staff come from abroad. Your worldview will be enhanced by this interaction, bringing you closer to the programme’s goal of teaching you not only facts and concepts but also international accessibility and understanding. This creates an international atmosphere that is strengthened by the international orientation of the programme.

Teaching staff

Christin Höne (Specialisation Coordinator)
Eliza Steinbock
Aagje Swinnen
Miriam Meissner
Peter Peters (Programme Director)
Tullio Viola

PREMIUM honours programme

Want to gain that extra edge by getting real-world experience during your studies? The PREMIUM honours programme will help you gain the experience and develop the skills employers are looking for. As part of a team of students and under the guidance of our academic staff, you’ll spend about three months working on a real-world assignment for a company, NGO or educational institution. You'll also work on a personal development plan, receive intensive individual coaching and attend master classes and workshops. All of this will take about 250 hours, but it will give you a lifetime of benefits.