Description
This hands-on, interactive course for PhD candidates (also open to RMA students) consists of 3 sessions and focuses on material objects as sources for cultural/historical research. We discuss key theoretical concepts of working with material objects and engage in some hands-on work. Each session highlights a particular theme and related methodologies:
(1) Life of Things: Object Biography as Conceptual Approach
(2) Caring and Making: Conservation and Reconstruction of Objects and Practices
(3) Contested Objects: Politics of Ownership
Learning objectives:
- How and why material objects can be used as relevant research sources
- Insight into the types of knowledge connected to Visual & Material Culture, including tacit knowledge, sensory knowledge, as well as the political, social, economic dimensions of objects.
- Gaining (limited) experience in hands-on object research
- Understanding how you can use material objects, and results from reconstruction and conservation research in your personal research
Preliminary Schedule:
12 November, 12-17.00
University of Amsterdam & Ateliergebouw/Rijksmuseum
Introductory lecture prof. Ann-Sophie Lehmann, presentation by participants & close readings, guided tour Ateliergebouw with prof. Maartje Stols-Witlox
10 December, 11.30-17.00
University of Groningen/University Museum Groningen
close readings
guests: prof. Andrew Irving & prof. Joost Keizer on the Van der Leeuw Collection; Eva Waterbolk on a collection of skulls.
Each session is prepared by reading and annotating 1-3 texts and by a short assignment such as an object analysis, an ethnographic exercise, or a reconstruction. Together, these assignments together with active participation form the basis for the grade/awarding of EC. Preferably, you work with objects related to your research interest/research project.
14 January, 13-17.00
Utrecht University, Drift 23, room 0.10
hands-on component, presentation by participants & close readings
guest: Lisa Wiersma, MA, on reconstruction as research practice
Register (0/17 spaces left)
This course is fully booked. For a spot on the waiting list, contact huizinga@uu.nl
