Aims

On a general level, the students learn to explore the nexus between cultural production, economic and technological development, and geopolitics in a contemporary (20th-century and 21st-century) European context. They make themselves familiar with theoretical frameworks and concepts that can be used to analyze and discuss mental mappings of the continent and its constituent cultures (such as world systems theory, the three-world model, (post)colonialism, post-dependency studies, (Euro-)Orientalism, Balkanism, Europeanization, (self-)Orientalization, globalization, in-between peripherality, …). In particular, the students learn to analyze these cultural phenomena, interactions, and dynamics within the context of European filmmaking, both in its historic and in its contemporary (textual and institutional) aspects. Apart from developing (film) analytical skills, they make themselves familiar with digital resources related to European audiovisual culture, such as the European Film Gateway, the online databases of the European Audiovisual Observatory and the Media History Digital Library. Finally, they are able to apply the acquired knowledge and analytical competences by carrying out a case study that critically reflects on Europe’s changing culture(s) (from a textual and/or an institutional perspective).

Previous knowledge

- The student has followed an academic bachelor programme which gives her insight into the methodology and problems of literary research.
- The student has a thorough knowledge of at least one of the languages and literatures taught in the programme and has acquired scientific skills in the domain of literary studies (collecting information, knowledge of methodologies, analysis of and reporting on specific problems).
- The student has an interest in literature, literary analysis and the larger debate about culture and literature
 

Is included in these courses of study

• Master in de culturele studies (Leuven) 60 ects.
• Master in de westerse literatuur (Leuven) 60 ects.
• Master of English Linguistics and Literature (Leuven) 60 ects.
• Master of Western Literature (Leuven) 60 ects.
• Master of Cultural Studies (Leuven) 60 ects.
• Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Arts (Leuven)
• Master of European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives (Programme for students started before 2024-2025) (Leuven) (European Diversity and Cultural Policy) 60 ects.