Literatures and Cultures of North America in International Perspective

Literatures and Cultures of North America in International Perspective is a dynamic and interdisciplinary master's program offered by Radboud University. This program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the diverse literary, cultural, and historical developments of North America, emphasizing global interconnectedness and contemporary relevance. Throughout the program, students explore a wide range of topics, including American and Canadian literature, indigenous cultures, social movements, multiculturalism, and the influence of globalization on North American societies. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with critical analysis, enabling students to examine literary texts, cultural practices, and societal issues from multiple perspectives. Participants have the opportunity to develop advanced research skills, engage with primary sources, and participate in vibrant academic discussions. The program also encourages internationalization by emphasizing comparative perspectives, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and providing opportunities for intercultural exchange. Students can tailor their studies through elective courses and internships, gaining practical experience and enhancing their academic profile. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in academia, cultural policy, journalism, publishing, international organizations, and other fields where cultural literacy and analytical skills are essential. The program is characterized by small class sizes, close interaction with faculty, and a stimulating academic environment that promotes critical thinking and intellectual growth. By combining scholarly rigor with practical relevance, the Literatures and Cultures of North America in International Perspective program aims to prepare students for active engagement with North American cultures and beyond, fostering a global outlook rooted in cultural understanding and academic excellence.

• American Studies: Theories & Practices
• Contemporary North American Fiction
• Transatlantic Transfer and Cultural Mobility: Grounding Transnational American Studies
• Electives or (international) internship
• Master’s thesis and colloquium

Instruction modes

literature study, research, research proposal, tutorial, lecture, self study

Previous Education

A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent, from a research university) in in American Studies or in English Language & Culture with a specialisation in American Studies. If you specialised in English you can apply if you had at least 40 EC in courses related to American Studies. If you have a different academic background, you will need to have achieved 60 EC in courses related to American Studies.

English proficiency

• A TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based) or 100 (internet-based)
• An IELTS score of at least 7.0
• A Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of B or higher

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Radboud Faculty of Arts Study Funds

Students who receive either the Radboud Scholarship or the Orange Tulip Scholarship are eligible for an additional grant to assist with study costs. The grant consists of 2,500 euros paid in 10 instalments throughout the year.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The Master's program in Literatures and Cultures of North America in an International Perspective at Radboud University offers students a comprehensive understanding of North American literary and cultural landscapes within a global context. The program is designed to analyze the historical developments, key literary texts, cultural phenomena, and societal issues originating from North America, including the United States, Canada, and indigenous cultures. It emphasizes critical analysis, intercultural understanding, and interdisciplinary approaches, equipping students with the skills to interpret texts and cultural expressions through various theoretical lenses.

Students will explore diverse genres of literature, from foundational texts to contemporary works, alongside cultural studies that include film, media, and visual arts. The program fosters insights into identity, race, gender, politics, and globalization as they pertain to North American societies. Classes are often conducted in seminar formats, encouraging active participation, discussion, and research. The curriculum combines language studies—involving English and possibly other languages relevant to North American cultures—with cultural and literary analysis.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to engage with researchers and experts through lectures, workshops, and excursions. They develop proficiency in research methods, literary theory, and cultural analysis, producing a Master's thesis on a specialized topic related to North American literature or culture. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, cultural institutions, publishing, media, or international relations, where understanding cross-cultural dynamics and North American societal issues are valuable.

Radboud University’s departments and faculty bring a multidisciplinary perspective to the program, integrating history, anthropology, and literary studies. The international perspective is reinforced by the specific focus on cross-cultural exchanges, transnational identities, and comparative studies between North American countries and other parts of the world. The program is suitable for students interested in North American studies, cultural analysis, and international perspective, providing a rich academic experience that combines theoretical learning with practical applications.