Arts and Culture: Design and Decorative Art Studies

Master

Design and Decorative Art Studies is a specialisation in the MA in Arts and Culture. Leiden has a long tradition of research and teaching in this specialisation, 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. This 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.

Special points of attention are:

(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 the domestic culture

In this specialisation you can also opt to do a work placement at a leading museum or other significant institution in the area of heritage and culture preservation in the Netherlands. You can also do a work placement in the area of contemporary design within the research projects of the tutors or of cultural institutions.

Compulsory courses for all students, regardless of specialisation:

Practices and debates (5 EC)
Thesis seminar (5 EC)
Thesis (20 EC)

In order to meet the demands of any specialisation you need to follow a minimum of 45 EC in your chosen specialisation. The most common study path to meet this requirement is:

2 Research seminars in field of specialisation (2 × 10 EC)
Thesis seminar (5 EC)
Thesis (20 EC)

Free Component (10 EC): You can choose any course offered within the MA Arts and Culture, a course on an Arts and Culture subject taught in another MA or an approved Internship.

Please note that several additional workshops will be offered during the academic year. Information will be available on our website.

Courses

Vak	EC	Semester 1	Semester 2
Obligatory courses
Practices and Debates in Art History	5
Thesis Seminar Arts and Culture	5
Free Component	10
MA Thesis Arts and Culture	20
Take the following two Research Seminars:
The Material Culture of Food and Drink: Interaction and Exchange between Asia and Europe, 1500-1800	10
The Model House. Proposals for Ideal Living	10
Making an Exhibition on the Kwabstijl (Auricular style)	10
Art, Design, Science and Ethics	10
Free Component (10 EC) You can choose any course offered within the MA Arts and Culture, a course on an Arts and Culture subject taught in another MA or an approved Internship. Suggestions:
Modern Sculpture as Exhibition Project	5
Art & Life Sciences	rsp 5 en 6
Internship Arts and Culture	10

More info

Course objectives

to enable students to acquire academic knowledge, understanding and skills, and train them in the use of scientific methods in the field of Arts and Culture in general, and in particular with regard to the chosen specialisation;
to enable students to develop the following academic and professional skills:
- independent academic reasoning and conduct,
- the ability to analyse complex problems,
- academic reporting;
to prepare students for an academic career and further education;
to prepare students for a career outside academia.

Structure

The structure of the programme is the following:

Practices and Debates (5 credits);
Two Research Seminars from the chosen specialisation in the master’s programme in Arts and Culture (20 credits);
Free Component (10 credits);
Thesis Seminar (5 credits);
Thesis (20 credits).

Full-time and part-time

The programme consits of 60 EC, to be completed in one year. Part-time students complete the programme in 1,5 years. Courses are scheduled during office hours.

Requirements for graduation:

In order to graduate, students must have completed 60 EC of courses including the writing of the thesis. The master’s programme is concluded with a master’s thesis containing the results of the individual research.

In order to meet the demands of any specialisation you need to follow a minimum of 45 EC in your chosen specialisation. The most common study path to meet this requirement:

2 Research seminars in field of specialisation (20 EC);
Thesis seminar (5 EC);
Thesis (20 EC).

Specialisations

The specialisations are: Architecture, Early Modern and Medieval Art, Museums & Collections, Art of the Contemporary World and World Art Studies and Design and Decorative Art Studies.