Arts and Culture: Design, Culture & Society
The specialisation “Design, Culture and Society” is part of the Master Arts and Culture.
Leiden has a long tradition of research and teaching in design and decorative art from the Early Modern to the Postmodern period. You will study layout and design in a context of the reception and significance that objects and interiors bring about, such as design and identity, including cultural identity. Another option is to examine discussions on the effects of decoration, function and aesthetics of interiors and objects. These can, for instance, be from a particular period and community that is also interesting for insights into other times and cultures. You can also opt to make a more in-depth study of present-day engaged forms of design, such as ecodesign and biodesign. You can determine your own focal areas.
Key themes include:
(re)presentation of layout and design in old and modern sources, both written and visual
reception of layout and design in written texts
interiors, design and gender identity
history of domestic culture and objects that determine domestic culture
You can also opt to do an internship at a leading museum or other significant institution in the area of heritage and culture preservation in the Netherlands. You can also do an internship in the area of contemporary design within the research projects of the tutors or of cultural institutions.
The structure of the programme is the following:
Practices and Debates (5 EC)
Two Research Seminars (20 EC) from the specialisation ‘Design and Decorative Art Studies*
Free Component (10 EC)
Thesis Seminar (5 EC)
Thesis (20 EC)