Admission requirements
This course is a core module for students on the MA Book and Digital Media Studies (or exchange students admitted to this programme). Students from other programmes are welcome to approach the course coordinator for admission, but this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Description
This course examines the roles of the various agents involved in the production, circulation and conservation of books, and, by extension, of knowledge. In the first part of the course, students will be introduced to a theoretical framework for assessing the role of such agents. They will be encouraged to evaluate key concepts and models employed in book and digital media studies, and consider their associated methodologies. In the second part of the course, students will become acquainted with the agents of the book on a theoretical-critical level (through scholarship) and on a practical level (through examination of specific agents and their professions). This combination of academic-theoretical and professional encounters will contribute to forming a rounded perspective of the role played by various agents in creating past, present and future realities and potentialities of the book. A notable aspect of the course is its integration of a visit to the international Frankfurt Book Fair, where students can observe and reflect on major contemporary trends in the professional world of the book. Throughout, the course emphasises the cultivation of discipline-specific and transferrable skills; at its conclusion students will participate in a facilitated workshop addressing a key theme of contemporary book and digital media studies.
Course objectives
Students will learn:
To connect theoretical concepts and practical applications in the field of book and digital media studies, and express such analysis in written and spoken form.
To identify, reflect upon, and evaluate current issues in book and digital media studies in both classroom discussions and course assignments.
To assess the impact of a range of professional and institutional agents in the field of book and digital media studies.
To develop a critical understanding of the development and changing roles of libraries, publishers, booksellers, and other agents of the book in the past, present and future.
To participate in a facilitated workshop, presenting their ideas to fellow students and learning how to give and receive feedback.
Timetable
The timetables are available through MyTimetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
Assessment
15% activity portfolio
20% oral presentation
65% research essay
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determination of the written average. A sufficient grade (6.0 or above) is required in the research paper in order to pass the course.
Attendance is compulsory and absence on three occasions or more may entail your removal from the course or require the submission of additional assignments to make up credit. Please contact the course coordinator if there are compelling reasons for absence (e.g. sickness, family emergency).
Resit
If the final course grade, resulting from the weighted average of the components, is insufficient, students may resit the research essay and/or activity portfolio. There is no resit opportunity for the oral presentation. To pass the course, students must receive a 6.0 or above in their research essay.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
A reading list will be provided at the start of the course.
Registration
Enrolment through My Studymap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Arsenaal.
Remarks
Please note that while the visit to the Frankfurt Book Fair is part-subsidised by the Leiden University Buitenlandsfonds, students are also asked to contribute money for travel/board. Details on anticipated costs can be obtained from the course coordinator (i.odaly@hum.leidenuniv.nl). The visit is optional, but students are strongly encouraged to participate.