French Literature & Culture

Ed
French Literature & Culture MA
The main reason I chose to study an MA in French Literature at King's was the fantastic time I had here as an undergraduate. I value the sense of community in my department, the fact that my tutors really are tutors and not just academics, and the chance to further develop my thinking in a nurturing, curious and enlightening environment. It's a profoundly perspective-altering experience to spend time in an institution that is truly international.

The hugely eclectic range of backgrounds of the people I meet on campus make me appreciate just how valuable time at King's is. Our small seminar groups allow each person ample opportunity to develop their arguments, discuss ideas, respond, react and delve deep into the detail of our course. Tutors approach these seminars with a light touch, allowing us to gain confidence in our academic abilities and gain a fuller, more independent understanding of our subject - skills that will no doubt prove precious in the future, both in and outside the classroom.

Receiving a studentship for all this has been invaluable - it has meant being able, if just for a year, to throw myself fully into a subject I find so fascinating, without money troubles getting in the way. Time spent at King's for me has been time spent in the best way possible; broadening, challenging, enlivening, fun.

Maria
French Literature & Culture MA
After thoroughly enjoying studying French literature at undergraduate level I decided to stay at the university that had given me such a wonderful undergraduate experience.

I chose the MA in French literature and culture because not only does King’s have an excellent reputation for French research but the course also covered a wide variety of modules including literature, theory and philosophy. The core course particularly appealed to me as it covers a wide variety of theory which has shaped French literature and culture, therefore giving every student a great basis upon which to further their studies and pursue an academic career.

I specifically chose the MA because of the modules in Contemporary French Women’s writing and Francophone literature which correspond to my desire to conduct research in these areas. I also chose to stay on at King’s because the academic staff are not only very knowledgeable but are also very helpful and keen to discuss students’ ideas with them.

I also enjoy participating in research seminars across all departments, wherein fascinating ideas are always aired. Moreover, I am involved in the Staff Student liaison committee which gives me an insight into what it is like to be an academic. I also continue to work as a student ambassador, a job which has taught me many skills, and through which I have met many interesting people.

I feel confident that my overall experience at King’s, and my MA course itself, will prepare me for the career in academia which I desire, and, within such a competitive field, an MA from King’s is a significant asset.

Find out what it's like as a student of French Literature and Culture by reading Maria's blog!

Sanja Perovic
French Literature & Culture MA
I first started studying the Enlightenment because I was fascinated by how philosophical concepts brought about real historical changes in the world. Like my other colleagues in the French Department, my teaching and research seeks to combine a deep historical and literary understanding of texts with a commitment to theoretical reflection. For example, my MA module ‘Imagined Communities: Utopian Discourse and Political Dissent in the French Enlightenment’ considers the disjunction between the types of future communities imagined by enlightenment thinkers and writers on the one hand and historical reality on the other.



I also teach for the MA in Interdisciplinary Eighteenth-Century Studies, which offers students unrivalled access to museums and other cultural institutions in London, a historical centre for European enlightenment. My research reflects the French Department’s strengths in both theory and history. As a Department we are very excited to offer a range of MA courses both in French Literature and Culture and in Literary and Critical Theory (Critical Methodologies) that include many interdisciplinary options. I welcome students interested in any aspect of the interdisciplinary eighteenth-century.