Research

Mapping past and present media landscapes

The research of the Department of Media and Culture Studies, which is carried out at the Institute for Cultural Inquiry, addresses issues concerning the role of media (film, television, new media), music, theatre and culture in society. Our researchers also explore the historical developments and traditions that underlie the contemporary cultural landscape. They contribute to current debates within the humanities and other domains, and form a centre of knowledge from which societal institutions can benefit.

Our projects show the importance of humanities research and contribute to the university's focus areas Cultures, Citizenship and Human Rights and Game Research and the strategic theme Institutions for Open Societies. In addition, they provide insights that stimulate new developments in the humanities, such as the digital humanities, environmental humanities and cognitive and medical humanities.

Digital media in society

The most recent developments of digital media are also key issues in our research. For instance, our scholars explore the ways in which serious games may shed light on societal issues. The Data School helps Dutch institutions to get a better grasp on the contemporary information culture, and the research platform [urban interfaces] studies the interaction between media, art and urban spaces.