Tracks
This programme offers several tracks:
Within each track, you will work with source materials in their original languages, including in manuscript form.
1. Ancient Studies
The Ancient Studies track focuses on classical civilisation from c. 1000 BCE to c. 500 CE and offers courses on Classical Greece, Hellenism, Classical Rome, and Late Antiquity. Particular focus is placed on the the cultural interactions that shaped the world of Greek polis, Hellenistic courts, Roman Empire and Early Christianity. This track is highly multidisciplinary: you will acquire in depth skills to study ancient sources, including literary and epigraphical texts as well as material remains (archaeology). You will also follow courses offered by the Netherlands Research School in Classical Studies (OIKOS).
2. Medieval Studies
The Medieval Studies track focuses on European civilisation between c. 500 and c. 1500. In addition to the core courses, you will specialise in either Medieval History, Medieval Art History, Literature, or Musicology. Depending on your specialisation, you may need to learn to read Latin or another medieval language. Students also take courses offered by the Netherlands Research School in Medieval Studies.
3. Early Medieval Insular Languages and Cultures
This track focuses on languages and literatures of the Early Medieval Insular region: Latin, Old English and Old Irish (beside Middle Welsh). Having learned one of these languages is a precondition for admission to the programme, as we concentrate on reading texts in the original in all our courses. You will also be expected to learn an additional Insular language while enrolled in the programme. In our seminars we especially look at the themes of history and pseudo-history, religion, and law. In this track you will also take courses offered by the Netherlands Research School in Medieval Studies.
4. Renaissance Studies
The Renaissance Studies track focuses on the Renaissance from its development in Italy during the 13th century to its subsequent status as a Europe-wide phenomenon. Particular attention is given to the history, art history, and literatures of the period from c. 1300 to c. 1700. You may specialise in either a discipline or a geographical area. According to your specialisation, you can take courses by a relevant national research school, such as the Research Institute and Graduate School for Cultural History (Huizinga Instituut).