The Huizinga Institute and the N.W. Posthumus Institute are offering a 3-day workshop on ‘Networks in History’, to be held on 21-23 January 2026 at the International Institute of History in Amsterdam.
Description and aim
Historical network analysis as a mode of enquiry is gaining traction in the humanities. Embedded in the interdisciplinary field of network sciences, and digital humanities, scholars have utilised the approach in a great variety of subfields and subjects within the historical discipline. This thematic course aims to enable early-career researchers to consider the purpose, potential and procedure of historical network analysis for their research projects. Sessions are taught by researchers from different backgrounds who use historical network analysis in their work. The classes will treat the process and steps of reasoning prior to adopting a specific programme to enter and analyse the data. The focal point is historical network analysis but other approaches to studying networks in history will also be discussed. Before moving onto the practical ‘how’, ample attention is paid to the theoretical and conceptual ‘why’.
Preliminary programme
Day 1
| 09:30-12:30 Session 1 |
Introduction to networks in history & Conceptual reflections – Instructor: Christophe Verbrugge |
| 13:30-17:00 Session 2 |
Methods and concepts (part I) – Instructor: Christophe Verbrugge |
Day 2
| 09:30-12:30 Session 3 |
Methods and concepts (part II) – Instructor: Nina Geerdink |
| 13:30-17:00 Session 4 |
Methods and concepts (part III) – Instructor: Ivo Zandhuis |
Day 3
| 09:30-12:30 Session 5 |
Hands-on workshop – Instructor: Liliana Melgar |
| 13:30-17:00 Session 6 |
Reflection and application – Instructor: Rick Mourits |
Participation
The workshop is open to research master students and PhD students who are considering employing a network approach in their research. The minimum number of participants is 5, the maximum 15 participants. The course will be in English.
Assessment and EC
Students will be assessed on their preparation in reading the course materials and formulating questions, their participation in and contributions to the general discussions, and class attendance. After the workshop, students should write a reflection paper (1500 words max.) on the decision to adopt or not adopt the method of historical network analysis in the students’ own research. This paper should be submitted a week after the course. The final score will be on a pass/fail basis. Passing this course successfully is valued at 2 EC.
Application procedure
You can apply for this course via this form. Applications will be dealt with on a first-come first-served basis; in case there are more applications than places available, students already enrolled in a programme of the Huizinga Institute or the N.W. Posthumus Institute will have priority. Within a week after the deadline, all applicants will be notified about the outcome of their application.
Course coordination
This course is jointly offered and supported by the Huizinga Institute and the N.W. Posthumus Institute in cooperation with the International institute of History (IISH). The course is coordinated by Dr Rick Mourits (IISH) in cooperation with Eva Seuntjens and Merel Blok (both PhD candidates at IISH).
More info
For more info, contact Eva Seuntjens.