American Studies

North American Studies at Leiden University takes a multidisciplinary approach to the region, with particular emphasis on examining key aspects of North American history, culture, and media from a historical perspective and within an international context. The two required courses in the first semester offer a strong background in the cultural, political, and literary history of what is now the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada, from the pre-colonial period to the present. The courses in the second semester aim to deepen and broaden the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired in the first semester: you can choose to specialize in American history (track 1) or American literature and culture (track 2). Upon completion of this minor, you will have acquired basic knowledge of and research skills in U.S. history, culture and literature. Students who have successfully completed the minor in American Studies (30 EC) are admissible to the MA programme in North American Studies in Leiden, provided that they meet all other conditions for admission.

Maximum number of students: 30 Prospectus number: 5000MAMN Language: English Registration: via EduXchange see More Info 19 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2026

Remarks

Since in some departments there is only room for a 15 EC in elective courses; it is also possible to take this minor for 15 EC; half of the number of ECs required for a complete minor. Note; however; that this is not the same as completing a minor and therefore it is not called a minor. Students who wish to take this option take the following courses in semester 1:

• The United States and the World: An Introduction to American Studies (10 EC)
• Literature 3A: American Literature; Beginnings to 1865 (5 EC)

Anyone is free; however; to take more than the required minimum of courses and thus earn more ECs than the 180 EC required for receiving a bachelor’s degree. Therefore; you can take a 30 EC minor if you are willing to earn 15 EC more than you need to have to complete the requirements for your bachelor’s degree. For more information about electives; go to Keuzeruimte.