Programme information

The specialisation Museums and Collections gives students thorough knowledge of relevant issues concerning early modern collections and museums of the modern and contemporary period. Students will learn how to critically analyze texts, collections and exhibitions and reflect on historical and contemporary issues. 

In the specialist research seminar of the early modern period students will gain an overview of the history of collecting in the period 1500-1800 and its historiography. We will discuss topics relating to early modern cultures of collecting: notions and concepts of wonder, curiosity, the exotic and the familiar, networks of knowledge and exchange, and visualisation of early museums. In weekly sessions, students develop their analytical, critical and research skills through discussions of literature and presentation of their ongoing projects, which result in a research paper.  

In the specialist research seminar of the modern and contemporary period the student will gain in-depth knowledge of museum theory and politics of museum practice, and acquire an informed understanding of current (theoretical) issues and controversies concerning museums throughout the world. This course will develop analytical, communicative and research skills in weekly debates, exhibition analyses and presentations of research topics. 

In addition, the reading list Museums and Collections aims to give students insight in specialist reference works on museums and collections both in the past and today. For this self study module students choose 650 pages of preferred titles from a general list. There will be an oral or written exam. 

In the final thesis the student explores an argument with regard to the notion of museums and collections. 

See the Prospectus for more information about the study programme.