The Huizinga Institute – Research School for Cultural History’s curriculum is designed for graduate students in cultural history. It aims to provide RMA students and PhD candidates with a coherent programme of courses in cultural history, with an emphasis on interdisciplinarity, methodology, and theory. Education at the School is divided into three strands:
- PhDs: Core Courses in Cultural History (CC 1-3). Focusing on methods, theories and skills particular to cultural-historical research, this 10-12 EC programme aims to help candidates develop into professional cultural-historical researchers.
- RMA students: Thematic courses on interdisciplinary subjects (PhDs can join when there’s room). During these continuously updated modules, students can pursue their thematic interests or broaden their expertise.
- Joint PhD/RMA programme: Summer schools, International courses, Masterclasses and Workshops. These intensive courses and activities are often (co-)organised by graduate students. They allow them to delve into a subject with renowned experts in inspiring surroundings
Furthermore, PhD candidates are expected, and RMA students encouraged, to participate in at least one of the Institute’s research networks. Research networks are ‘vertical’ groups, consisting of senior members and graduate students with shared research interests. The research networks serve as reading groups, platforms for discussion and feedback, and breeding grounds for student-organised activities such as lectures and masterclasses.
PhD Core Courses
The Core Courses (CCs) constitute the core curriculum for PhD candidates. Candidates are expected to participate in the full 10 EC programme (CC1, a minimum of two CC2 courses, and CC3: speaking at thee PhD conference). PhDs can supplement this with an additional 2 ECs by organising an event, or by following other courses and events from the curriculum.
Core Course 1: Positioning and Designing your research (4 EC)
During CC1, PhD candidates who have just started their PhD research are introduced to the broad field of cultural history. In six sessions, they meet their fellow PhD candidates and various inspiring experts to discuss and reflect on the methods, theories and practices in the field, on interdisciplinarity, and the relevance of their own work. They learn to better position their project in a highly interdisciplinary environment, and to access experts and expertise that might be relevant to their project’s success.
The course is concluded by a position paper of 2000-3000 words that builds towards their end-of-year Go/No-go Evaluation. At the end of the course, students have joined or committed to set up a research network of Huizinga members, which functions as a sounding board throughout the remainder of their PhD.
Core Course 2: The Cultural Historian’s Toolbox (2 EC each)
CC2 focuses on concepts, sources, and methods in cultural history. It enables candidates to develop their methodological skills, based on their own research objects and interests. The course consists of small modules which alternate every year to ensure optimal choice. New modules will be added over time, based on the interests and needs of our candidates. PhDs follow at least two modules during their PhD trajectory.
Core Course 3: Cultural History in Action
The CC3 course allows PhD candidates to develop their interests and work on their professional competencies within research networks and the larger field of cultural history, benefitting RMA students as well. It consists of various activities, in different stages of their education. Each PhD candidate participates in part 1 and 3 for 2 EC. PhDs can additionally select module 2 to obtain 4 EC in total.
Participation in Research Network (mandatory)
At the end of CC1, each PhD candidate selects a research network in which to participate. Within the research networks, which consist of both senior and junior members of the institute, recent work is discussed during informal seminars and conferences. If candidates feel that there isn’t a research network that best suits their interests yet, they can start a new one for additional credits, provided that there is sufficient interest within the Institute.
Participation in the Huizinga PhD Conference (mandatory)
In their third year, PhDs present their research at the conference (2 EC). They are encouraged to join in the audience every year. The PhD Conference offers an exciting opportunity to get to know your fellow Huizinga graduate students and their research interests, as well as training for your own PhD defence and getting inspired by other research approaches, questions, sources etc.
Organisation of cultural historical event or research network (optional)
Each PhD candidate should participate in the organisation of at least one cultural-historical event or group. Organisational teams should consist of two to three candidates. Together with the Huizinga Institute Office, they work on the entire process, from conceptualisation and applying for financial support from the Institute to making practical arrangements and hosting the event. In order to obtain the study credits, students submit a brief final report to the office.
For a detailed overview of the Core Courses, see this page.
Course Registration Policy
Members from other research schools are welcome to register for our courses and activities. Huizinga Institute members will however have first access until a set priority date, which is communicated in the course announcement. Graduate students from other research schools will be placed on a waiting list, in order of registration. After the priority date, free places will be offered to the students on the waiting list. Members of the Huizinga Institute that register after the priority date will be added to the existing waiting list in order of registration. An exception is made for Huizinga RMA members who start their research master in February, since they missed the previous first access moment. They will be placed on top of the waiting list.
Are travel costs obstructing your participation in one of our courses? Please contact the Huizinga office, so we can look for a solution.
Accessibility
On each course/event page, we provide information on the accessibility. Does accessibility cause a problem, or do you need additional information? Please don’t hesitate to contact the office: [email protected].
Our events are typically offered fully live. Hybrid options are not standard. However, in case of medical reasons, we will try and find a hybrid or online solution. Contact [email protected] to discuss the possibilities.
Credits
After successfully participating in a course or activity organised by the Huizinga Institute (to be assessed by the course coordinator), the Huizinga Institute Office will issue a certificate for the advertised amount of EC. Your credits will be registered by submitting the certificate to your local graduate school or Examination Board.