Why this programme?
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
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.
Student testimonials
Marlene Moninger
Maastricht University is very international and the PBL (Problem-Based Learning) approach encourages students to learn with and from one another, leading to many interesting and fruitful conversations.
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
PREMIUM honours programme
PREMIUM is our Honours programme for high-performing master’s students. If selected, you will work in an interdisciplinary team on a project for a real client from the public or private sector (e.g. Cisco, DHL, EcoAct). Along with guidance from a project mentor, you will receive individual coaching focused on your personal and professional development. You will also attend several workshops and events designed to cultivate valuable knowledge and skills, as well as build a network that provides you with the best preparation possible for the job market.
Are you up for the PREMIUM challenge?
Programme highlights
- interdisciplinary approach to contemporary art and literature
- focus on current issues and topical debates
- international classroom, 17 students in 2022/2023 programme with 10 nationalities
- internship possibilities
- unique, small-scale, interactive and international learning environment
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit