Prospectus Master's in Photographic Studies 2009-2010 Leiden 2009

Prospectus
Master’s in Photographic Studies
2009-2010
Leiden 2009

Master’s in Photographic Studies
Rapenburg 38
2311 EX Leiden
Post Box 9500
2300 RA Leiden | The Netherlands
T 071 527 18 05
F 071 527 18 08
E maps@hum.leidenuniv.nl
I www.photographicstudies.leidenuniv.nl

This prospectus has been prepared with all possible care. However, no legal claims can be
based upon the text. Information subject to change.

Contents
1. Master’s in Photographic Studies 5
1.1 Introduction 5
1.2 The collaborating partners 5
1.3 Purpose and organisation of the programme 5
2. The programme as organisation 7
2.1 Institutes 7
2.2 Staff of the Master’s in Photographic Studies 8
2.3 Governance 10
2.3.1 Master’s in Photographic Studies (MaPS) 10
2.3.2 Faculty of Humanities 11
2.4 Course and student administration 11
3. Course and Examination Regulations (OER) and Student Charter 14
4. Admission and achievement levels 15
4.1 Master’s programme 15
4.2 Admission requirements 15
4.3 Achievement levels 16
5. The educational programme 18
5.1 Programme 18
5.2 Electives and internships 27
5.3 Other activities 31
5.4 The Master’s thesis 31
5.5 Graduation 32
6. Supplementary information 34
6.1 Libraries in Leiden 34
6.2 Course-related activities 35
6.3 Important photography institutions and training programmes 36
6.4 Recommended readings for preparation and orientation 37
7. Schedule 39
8. Other sources of information 40

1. Master’s in Photographic Studies
1.1 Introduction
Photography is at the centre of interest today. Photography museums have been
established in Rotterdam, The Hague and Amsterdam, and art museums are paying more
attention to their own photo collections. There are now specialised photography galleries,
and articles on photography regularly appear in the art pages of leading newspapers. As a
result of this increasing attention – both national and international – there is a growing
need for well-trained individuals with specific knowledge who can approach and analyse
photography both as an independent medium and in relation to other disciplines and
media. There is no other programme that focuses so specifically on photography while
maintaining interdisciplinarity, as well as providing academic (intellectual) and curatorial
(practical) training, as the Master’s in Photographic Studies at Leiden University.
1.2 The collaborating partners
The Master’s in Photographic Studies is a special programme within the Faculty of
Humanities. A high degree of cross-disciplinary thinking is encouraged furthermore by
close collaboration with the Department of Art History and other departments of Leiden
University, as well as with the Print Room (Prentenkabinet)/Division of Special Collections
(University Library), which has an important photography collection, and the Royal
Academy of Fine in The Hague. This is expressed in the educational programme, which
strives for integration and the exploration of mutual connections between art and science.
1.3 Purpose and organisation of the programme
The Master’s in Photographic Studies aims to give students a broad academic and socially
engaged orientation on photography. Particular areas of attention are the interdisciplinary
methods of academic study of photography; art historical theories and theories of
photography; the significance of photography as a means of communication and a mass
medium with specific underlying strategies; the interconnections among photography,
visual culture and other forms of visual art; the forms of presentation for photography
(exhibitions, internet, publications, reviews, etc.); photographic practice as research; and
strategies in the field of collecting, conservation and management. As a result of the
increased interest in photography and the growing role that photography plays in society,
there are ever more environments (‘photography worlds’) in which photography can be
investigated. Developments such as digital photography and new media will also be dealt
with in the programme.
The topics listed above will be addressed during lectures, seminars and as part of
independent study, based on various types of objects such as photographs and
photographic objects; historic and contemporary photographic sources; the history of
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photography and photo criticism. The outcome of this study will be reflected in term
papers and other written projects, discussions, case studies, portfolios, exhibition and
website proposals, and photo-historical essays.
This foundation of knowledge, skills and insight will enable the student to formulate and
seek answers to new questions, and to function with academic integrity within the
professional field (for instance as a photo historian, curator, photographer, visual historian,
critic, photo agency manager, picture editor, or exhibition maker).
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2. The programme as organisation
2.1 Institutes
Master’s in Photographic Studies
Faculty of Humanities
Rapenburg 38, 2311 EX Leiden
Post Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden
Study coordinator: t.b.a.
Secretariat: Marijke Hamel
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 18 05, e-mail: maps@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Internet: www.artsandsciences.nl
Department of Art History
Dr. Kitty Zijlmans (Professor of modern visual art and photography)
Doelensteeg 16, 2311 VL Leiden (room: 1174-214)
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 26 48, e-mail: c.j.m.zijlmans@hum.leidenuniv.nl and
secrkg@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Internet: www.kunstgeschiedenis.leidenuniv.nl
Royal Academy of Fine Arts
Prinsessegracht 4, 2514 AN The Hague
Telephone: +31 (0)70 315 47 77
Internet: www.kabk.nl
Print Room (Prentenkabinet)/Division of Special Collections, University Library
Maartje van den Heuvel MA (Curator of the photography collection)
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 27 92, e-mail: m.e.n.van.den.heuvel@library.leidenuniv.nl
Joke Pronk (assistant curator)
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 27 95, e-mail: j.pronk@library.leidenuniv.nl
Witte Singel 27, 2311 BG Leiden
Internet: www.ub.leidenuniv.nl (> Bijzondere Collecties)
2.2 Staff of the Master’s in Photographic Studies
- Prof. Dr. Susan Meiselas
Professor in Photography
256 Mott Street
NY 10012 New York, USA
E-mail: susan@susanmeiselas.com
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Susan Meiselas received her Master’s in Visual Education from Harvard University (USA)
in 1971. Her first photo book, Carnival Strippers, appeared in 1976. She became a member
of the photographers’ collective Magnum Photos in that same year, and has worked as a
freelance photographer since then. She is well known for her photographs of the
Nicaraguan insurrection, her documentation of human rights issues in Latin America, and
her projects Kurdistan: In the Shadow of History (1997, reprinted 2008) and Encounters
with the Dani (2003). In addition to her work as an editor and her contributions to
numerous photo books, Meiselas has had various solo exhibitions in Rotterdam, Paris,
Madrid, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, London, Chicago and New York. She has taught at the
University of California, Berkeley and has received two honorary doctorates. Her
photographs are included in several international collections and she has received a
number of renowned prizes. Her chair at Leiden is sponsored by the Nederlands
Fotomuseum in Rotterdam.
- Dr. Rachel Esner
Lecturer in Photography
Chair of the Master’s in Photographic Studies
Rapenburg 38, 2311 EX Leiden
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 30 35/18 05
Email: r.esner@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Rachel Esner is an art historian lecturing in modern art and the history of photography. Her
interests focus on the history and theory of documentary photography from the
nineteenth century to today, on questions of the relationship between photography and
art, and on issues of the institutionalization of photography through museum and
curatorial practice.
- Tineke de Ruiter, MA
Lecturer in Photography and Applied Arts
Doelensteeg 16, 2311 VL Leiden (room: 1174-220b)
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 27 52
Email: m.a.de.ruiter@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Tineke de Ruiter is an art historian and is affiliated with the Department of Art History and
the Master’s in Photographic Studies as a lecturer in Modern Visual Arts and Photography.
She is researching the photographic oeuvre of the painter George Hendrik Breitner. De
Ruiter is a board member of the Stichting Fonds Anna Cornelis (chair) as well as FOAM,
Amsterdam.
- Bas Vroege
Coordinator Curatorial Training Programme
KABK, Prinsessegracht 4, 2514 AN The Hague
Telephone: +31 (0)70 315 47 77/(0)299 31 50 83
Email: bv@paradox.nl
Bas Vroege studied economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam and photography at St.
Joost Academy in Breda. From 1981-1993 he was director of Perspektief, centre for
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photography in Rotterdam and the Fotografie Biënnale Rotterdam (1988-1992). Since 1993
he is director of Paradox, which produces photography-related projects driven by a social
agenda. As a curator, Bas Vroege has been responsible for a number of cross-media festivals
and exhibitions. As an advisor he has worked for several institutions such as the
Mondriaan Foundation (1993-1995) and the MFA photography programme at St. Joost
Academy in Breda (1999-2002). He is a member of the Supervisory Board of World Press
Photo, Amsterdam, and member of the Advisory Board of Three Shadows Photography Art
Centre, Beijing. He has recently taken up photography again and is currently working on
the collaborative project Oswiecim Now, dealing with the post-war period of the Polish
town of Oswiecim (Auschwitz), to be published early 2010.
- Dr. Helen Westgeest
Lecturer in Modern Visual Art and Photography
Doelensteeg 16, 2311 VL Leiden (room: 1174-215a)
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 27 44
Email: h.f.westgeest@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Helen Westgeest is an art historian and is affiliated with the Department of Art History and
the Master’s in Photographic Studies as a lecturer in Modern and Contemporary Art
History and Theories of Photography. Since receiving her doctorate in 1996 her
investigations have shifted via the work of the Japanese photographer Miyamoto Ryuji to
the theory of photography and especially the role and nature of photography in
multimedia works of art. She participates in several international research projects. She has
(co-)edited and contributed to numerous publications on photography, including
Photography between Poetry and Politics (2008); Take Place. Photography and the Concept
of Place from a Multimedial Perspective (2009); and The Photographic Medium in
Contemporary Art. Theories in Historical Perspective (forthcoming 2010).
Study coordinator: t.b.a.
Rapenburg 38, 2311 EX Leiden
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 18 05
Email: maps@hum.leidenuniv.nl
2.3 Governance
2.3.1 Master’s in Photographic Studies (MaPS)
The Master’s in Photographic Studies is part of the Faculty of Humanities. The department
has a Departmental Administration (OLB) of three members, one of whom is a student. In
addition there is also an admissions committee, an examination committee and a teaching
committee (OLC).
Departmental Administration (OLB)
The Departmental Administration is charged with the organisation of the department’s
educational programme and is responsible for the smooth operation of the department in
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general. The chairman is named by the Faculty Board; the Departmental Administration
chooses a secretary from its own members.
Chairperson: Dr. Rachel Esner.
Member from academic staff: Dr. Helen Westgeest.
Student member: changes annually.
Admissions committee
The admissions committee is concerned with the admission of students. Members of the
academic staff: Dr. Rachel Esner, Tineke de Ruiter, MA, Bas Vroege, Dr. Helen Westgeest.
Advisory member: Study coordinator, t.b.a.
Examination committee
The examination committee is charged with organising preliminary and final
examinations. In addition the committee handles complaints about preliminary
examinations and other requests from students (regulations, exemptions, etc.). All the
lecturers involved in the department are part of the examination committee.
Members from the academic staff: Dr. Rachel Esner, Tineke de Ruiter, MA, Bas Vroege, Dr.
Helen Westgeest.
Advisory member: Study coordinator, t.b.a.
Teaching committee (OLC)
For students, the OLC, half of which is composed of students, is the most important
advisory body. Through the OLC they can exercise influence on all aspects of the
educational process, such as implementation, structure, evaluation, etc. Constructive
criticism and complaints brought to the OLC can lead to the requisite improvements. The
student members of the OLC are elected for one year. Their term of office runs from
October 15 th through October 14 th the following year. Students may both run and vote in
the elections.
The committee has four members: a maximum of two staff members and a maximum of
two student members.
Members from the academic staff: Dr. Rachel Esner and Tineke de Ruiter MA.
Student members: membership changes annually (October 15 th to October 14 th ).
Advisory member: Study coordinator, t.b.a.
2.3.2 Faculty of Humanities
Faculty board
The board of the Faculty of Humanities is responsible for the general direction of the
programme. The faculty board is comprised of Prof. Dr. Wim van den Doel, Dr. Arie
Verhagen, Jolanda Riel, MA, and a student member (changes annually). The secretary of the
board is Sander Bos, MA.
The student member can be reached by e-mail at: assessor@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
2.4 Course and student administration
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Credits
The study load is expressed with the aid of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). At
all universities students receive ECTS for successfully completing courses in the
programme of studies.
Study load
Students devote 42 weeks per year to their studies, at forty hours per week. A study year
thus comes to 1680 study hours, which equals 60 ECTS. One ECTS represents 28 study-load
hours. For a course of 10 ECTS, a full time student will work for seven weeks of 40 hours
per week, preparing for and participating in seminars, reading literature, gaining workstudy
experience or preparing assignments, and studying for tests. The preparation time
per contact hour for a formal lecture is one hour per contact hour, for a seminar two hours
per contact hour. A student is assumed to study 5-15 pages of specialist literature per hour,
depending on its difficulty; thus 28 hours of study load, or 1 ECTS, is about 140-300 pages of
specialist literature.
Testing
The student’s knowledge will be tested by means of in-class or take-home exams, written
papers, practical assignments and term papers.
Records of test results
All study results are included in the computerised study progress registration system ISIS/
S&S. The department makes use of a number of fixed subject codes that correspond to the
classes completed. Students can view their results via U-Twist: www.ulcn.leidenuniv.nl.
Papers and other written assignments are dated on the day that the instructors or thesis
supervisors award the grade. Instructors are required to perform their corrections in a
timely manner (within fifteen workdays) and pass the results on directly to the office of the
secretary. Until thirty days after announcement of the result of the written exams students
can see judged work at their request.
Students who take electives at other Dutch or foreign universities as part of their Master’s
(only with the approval of the Examination committee) should request their marks
themselves and forward these as quickly as possible to the secretariat of the Master’s in
Photographic Studies.
Blackboard
The Master’s in Photographic Studies makes use of the electronic learning environment
Blackboard. Students and instructors can communicate with one another through this
platform, via the internet. The home page for Blackboard is:
www.blackboard.leidenuniv.nl. The Study coordinator of the Master’s programme reports
the identity of all students and lecturers involved to Blackboard, and with the use of a
password students can visit the website. The use of Blackboard will differ from one part of
the programme to another and depends on the instructor involved and the subject matter.
U-mail
E-mail correspondence among instructors, the Study coordinator and students takes place
via U-mail. Each student at Leiden University has an U-mail account, consisting of their
own initials and last name, followed by @umail.leidenuniv.nl. On the home page,
www.ulcn.leidenuniv.nl, you can forward your U-mail on to your own e-mail address via
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mailforwarding. Please note: staff and instructors will only communicate with you
through U-mail. No private addresses will be used.
Student obligation
In case of a structural set-back in health or because of other special personal circumstances,
a student has the obligation to inform the Study coordinator.
Costs 2009-2010
Tuition Fees for Dutch, EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals:
statutory tuition fees for students aged under 30: € 1.620,- (2009-2010)
institutional fee for students aged 30 and over: circa € 2.150,- (2009-2010).
Tuition Fees for International Students who are not from EU/EEA/Switzerland/Surinam:
€ 13,750 p/y (2009-2010).
Statutory tuition fees
* The Dutch Ministry of Education regulates the tuition fees for Dutch students under the
age of 30 for all programmes that have been approved for government funding. Under
Dutch law the age of the student on September 1 st (start of the academic year) determines
the fee to be paid by the student for that academic year. A student who reaches the age of
30 on September 1 st (2009) is required to pay the amount of (circa) € 2.150,- for the
academic year 2009-2010.
Other costs
- Costs of the admission package (containing 2 CD-ROMS with assignments): € 49, 95.
- Costs of material(s) for the practical part of the programme (e.g. workshops with Susan
Meiselas): € 30,- to € 70,-. This amount includes a facility card of the Royal Academy of Fine
Arts to borrow a camera (without memory card!), laptop or other materials at the Uitleen
or to make photocopies.
Books and other study materials: € 250,- to € 300,-.
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3. Course and Examination Regulations (OER) and Student Charter
Every course of study has a Course and Examination Regulations (an OER) that is drawn up
for it in accordance with Article 7.13 of the Higher Education and Scientific Research Act
(WHW). Among the issues described in it are the purpose and achievement levels of the
course, the educational programme, the regulations surrounding tests and final
examinations, admission requirements and the supervision for students. In the appendices
to the OER one also finds the rules governing the Master’s thesis, examination results and
honours, evaluation, etc. The Course and Examination Regulations for the course of study
can be found at www.artsandsciences.nl.
The Student Charter informs students at Leiden of what they can expect from the
University and what the University expects of them. This Charter is essentially a collection
of all the rights and obligations of students, but also indicates what University facilities
there are for students. Moreover, it includes a summary of the legal protections students
enjoy.
Organisation of the charter
The Charter consists of two parts. The institutional part, which is the same for every
student, is found on www.studentenstatuut.leidenuniv.nl. The departmental section,
which is intended for students in a particular course of study, is published on the website.
Scope
The Student Charter applies exclusively to students at Leiden University.
Relation with the WHW and University regulations
This Charter is the Student Charter as intended in Art. 7.59 of the Higher Education and
Scientific Research Act (WHW).
The University is obligated to carry out the provisions of the Student Charter. To an extent,
it lists rights and obligations that are stipulated by law. An overview of the relevant legal
and University regulations can be found in the first chapter. The University regulations are
also available for examination at the Plexus Informatie Trefpunt Studenten (PITSstop) in
the Student Information Centre.
If necessary, compliance to the regulations can be enforced by complaint and appeals
procedures.
PITSstop
Student Centre Plexus
Kaiserstraat 25, Leiden
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 80 25, e-mail: pitsstop@plexus.leidenuniv.nl
Internet: www.pitsstop.leidenuniv.nl.
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4. Admission and achievement levels
4.1 Master’s programme
As a result of their methodological foundation in a particular branch of knowledge and
anchorage in academic research, Master’s programmes have an academic character. A
Master’s can be broad or highly specialised in nature. However, in terms of the end level it
brings the student to the forefront of his or her field. This implies that the student will be
acquainted with the latest advances in scholarly thinking.
The Master’s in Photographic Studies combines this academic orientation with
professional practice. The title obtained upon its completion is that of Master’s in
Photographic Studies: Master of Arts (MA), with, as the specialised field, Photographic
Studies. On the basis of the completed Master’s course, the student can qualify for a
doctoral programme. The instructors can provide more information on this.
4.2 Admission requirements
A bachelor’s degree in art history, cultural studies, visual anthropology, media studies or a
related academic discipline or a degree from an arts academy (BFA or MFA) is required in
order to be considered for the programme. See also:
http://www.postgraduate.leidenuniv.nl/admissions/
It is expected of aspiring students that they have insight into the medium, that they are
able to deal with information in a scholarly manner, and that they have some personal
experience with photography. For the admission procedure candidates must do the
following:
1. submit a CV and a letter explaining their motivation and reasons for wishing to join the
Master’s programme;
2. write an essay based on a reader with academic articles on photography assembled by
the lecturers in the Master’s in Photographic Studies programme so that the
Admissions committee can assess whether the aspiring student has achieved an
adequate academic level;
3. choose from a CD-ROM file of over ninety photographs and assemble a photographic
visual account according to his or her own insights. The selection should be
accompanied by a short written justification explaining the criteria that were employed
in the process.
On the basis of the application materials students may be selected for an interview. This
interview represents a continuation of the application process; if you are not invited, your
application has been rejected. Final admission is based on the quality of the essay and
photo selection, and the interview with the admission committee, in which the aspiring
student also presents the visual account he or she put together. Interviews will be held in
March, June and August 2009.
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Please note that it is possible to start the MA programme in February as well as September.
Should you choose to begin in February, please contact the programme chair, Dr. Rachel
Esner, at an early stage, as a special programme will have to be developed for you.
4.3 Achievement levels
The Master’s in Photographic Studies has the following objectives:
- broadening and deepening of knowledge, insight, skills and use of methodology in the
area of Photographic Studies;
- furtherance of academic and professional training;
- preparation for an academic career and/or post-graduate education;
- preparation for a professional career as a photo historian, visual historian, curator,
critic, photographer, photo agency manager, editor or exhibition maker.
The following achievement levels apply with regard to the Master’s in Photographic
Studies:
The Master in Photographic Studies has gained knowledge of and insight into:
- the contextualization and principles of photography as a part of art history, visual
culture, and media studies;
- the analysis and interpretation of form, function and content of artefacts (in particular,
photographs, photographic objects) and of the environments in which photography is
presented;
- insight into the function of photography, also in relation to the transformations in art
and culture and the processes of commercialisation, digitisation, and the
institutionalisation of the medium;
- the social relevance and cultural history of the profession;
- the methodologies and research methods employed in the academic study of
photography;
- the methods and evolution of theory in the history of photography;
- the history of professionalism and the changing professional notions on photography,
and the most important theoretical approaches;
- the use and application of methods and theories;
- the methodological positioning of one’s own research;
- the materials and techniques used in professional photographic practice.
The Master in Photographic Studies possesses the following academic and professional
skills:
- is able to visually analyse and, on the basis of academic insights and concepts, able to
describe, arrange and compare photographs, photographic objects and environments
in which photography is presented;
- with minimal supervision, is able to independently plan and carry out a research
project (formulating a research question, establishing the phases of research, and
assessment);
15

- is able to carry out independent academic study and to interpret artefacts with the aid
of relevant sources, specialist literature and the language specific to the field; and to
reflect critically on the knowledge and insights incorporated in this;
- is able to present research results clearly, orally or in writing, with accompanying
argumentation;
- has knowledge of, and is able to work independently within the art and photohistorical
apparatus, such as libraries, photo and slide collections, archives,
computerised information systems an other documentation resources;
- has practical experience with photography (both analogue and digital), assembling
exhibitions, writing reviews of various forms of photographic expression, writing up
project proposals for grant requests. This hands-on experience is aimed at achieving a
real integration of the historical, theoretical, methodological, museological and medial
thought in the field of photographic research.
Summarised in general academic achievement levels, the following elements elucidate the
academic character of the Master’s programme:
Academic knowledge
The student has insight into the manner in which academic knowledge is acquired and is
well informed about most recent advances in at least one aspect of the discipline of
Photographic Studies, and, on the basis of these insights, has learned the skills for
independently keeping up with progress in this discipline.
Research methods
During the course of study the student engages in exercises in scholarly research methods
in the field of study involved. The Master’s thesis serves to demonstrate that the student
has mastered the required steps in an academic exercise and the application of scholarly
methods in the discipline of Photographic Studies. That is to say: in independent research
on a sub-problem, he or she can apply the knowledge acquired and the analytical methods
of the discipline to a question, bring the research to a successful result, and defend the
conclusions.
Academic skills
The student is trained in academic skills such as analysing complex problems; critically
evaluating academic publications; carrying out theoretical and empirical research and
reporting in written form; the oral presentation of research; the extraction and formulation
of research questions; and the generation of new points of view in existing discussions.
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5. The educational programme
5.1 Programme
The educational programme in the Master’s in Photographic Studies is divided over two
semesters (see chart).
N.B. Language of instruction in all courses is English. Students may write their papers,
thesis, etc. in English or Dutch.
Course ECTS level
First semester
Workshop 1 P/F 400
(Lecture) Histories and Theories of Photography 5 500
(Seminar) The Photograph as Document 5 500
(Seminar) Historiographies of Photography 5 500
(Seminar) Theories of Photography 5 500
Curatorial Training Program 9 400
Second semester
Workshop 2 3 400
Critical Writing 3 400
Elective or internship or collaborative project 10 400
Thesis 15 600
60
Course code: KPS0901
Title: Workshop 1
Description: The student will gain skills in techniques and material used in
photographic practice. Project based learning how to describe, select
and sequence photographs and create narrative structures with selfmade
images and found photographs. This production workshop is
about engagement through making pictures, editing and sequencing
images.
Instructor: Prof. Dr. Susan Meiselas.
Method of Group guidance and individual supervision.
instruction:
Level: 400.
ECTS:
P/F
Study
Depending on the chosen topic.
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material:
Examination:
Time table:
Information:
A series of sequenced photographs and text or sound fully presented in
design suitable for projection, publication or presentation in an
exhibition space.
Please note that students will be awarded a pass/fail for this class rather
than ECTS.
First term. Starting August 31st (five days in total), followed by
reflection on the workshop, discussion and a series of individual initial
talks on internship and pre-thesis work in the Fall.
Study coordinator, t.b.a.
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 18 05, e-mail: maps@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Course code: KPS0802
Title:
Histories and Theories of Photography
Description: This series of lectures will provide students with an introduction to the
histories and theories of photography from its invention to today.
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to identify not
only individual photographers and photographic projects, but also
major issues in photography history and theory. Among the questions
addressed will be the photograph as document and the photograph as
art form; photography’s medium specificity and self-reflexivity;
problems of truth and representation; the photograph as object; and
the uses and functions of photography. Students will become aware of
the intrinsically interdisciplinary nature of photography and its
relation to fields such as art, sciences, literature and film.
Instructors: Dr. Rachel Esner; Tineke de Ruiter, MA; Dr. Helen Westgeest
Method of Lectures. The course is divided into three blocks of four lectures, each
instruction: given by one of the instructors: The Photograph as Document (Dr.
Rachel Esner); The Photograph and/as Art (Tineke de Ruiter, MA);
Theories of Photography (Dr. Helen Westgeest).
Level: 500.
ECTS:
5 ECTS.
Study
- Mary Warner Marien, Photography: A Cultural History,.2nd ed.,
material: Upper Saddle River, New York: Pearson Prentice Hall 2006.
- Alan Trachtenberg, Classic Essays on Photography. New Haven, Conn:
Leet’s Island Books 1981.
- Purchased reader
Examination: Final (in-class) exam.
Time table: First term. Classes will begin on 8 September and run until 15
December (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.). Room to be announced.
Information: Dr. Rachel Esner, telephone: +31 (0) 71 527 30 35, e-mail:
r.esner@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Course code:
Title:
Content:
KPS0805
The Photograph as Document
Each of the four seminar meetings will look closely at one aspect
treated in the lecture series Histories and Theories of Photography
(Course code: KPS0802). The focus of this seminar will be the role of
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Instructor:
Method of
instruction:
Level: 500.
ECTS:
Study
material:
Examination:
Time table:
Information:
photography in the formation and maintenance of ideologies and
power relations, the function of photography, and issues of
representation, the media and the archive.
Dr. Rachel Esner
Seminar.
5 ECTS.
- Purchased reader
Written and/or oral interim assignments, final assignment. For the
assignments and specific instructions see the syllabus supplied by the
instructor.
8 September-29 September (2:00-4:00 p.m.). Print Room
(Prentenkabinet), University Library.
Dr. Rachel Esner, telephone: +31 (0) 71 527 30 35, e-mail:
r.esner@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Course code: KPS0803
Title:
Historiographies of Photography
Content: Each of the four seminar meetings will look closely at one aspect
treated in the lecture series Histories and Theories of Photography
(Course code: KPS0802). The focus of this seminar will be the origins
and development of the historiography of photography. Students will
become acquainted with the most important historiographic
approaches to photography.
Instructor: Tineke de Ruiter, MA
Method of Seminar.
instruction:
Level: 500.
ECTS:
5 ECTS.
- Purchased reader
Study
material:
Examination:
Time table:
Information:
Written and/or oral interim assignments, final assignment. For the
assignments and specific instructions see the syllabus supplied by the
instructor.
13 October-10 November (2:00-4:00 p.m.). Print Room (Prentenkabinet),
University Library.
Tineke de Ruiter, MA, telephone: +31(0)71 527 27 52, e-mail:
m.a.de.ruiter@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Course code:
Title:
Content:
KPS0804
Theories of photography
The four seminar sessions will deal more in-depth with the texts
discussed in the lecture series Histories and Theories of Photography
(Course code: KPS0802). On the basis of these texts, research questions
will be formulated by the participants in order to gain practice in the
use of texts and theories as research tools and material.
19

Instructor: Dr. Helen Westgeest
Method of Seminar.
instruction:
Level: 500.
ECTS:
5 ECTS.
- Purchased reader
Study
material:
Examination:
Time table:
Information:
Written and/or oral interim assignments, final assignment. For the
assignments and specific instructions see the syllabus supplied by the
instructor.
24 November-15 December (2:00-4:00 p.m.). Print Room
(Prentenkabinet), University Library.
Dr. Helen Westgeest, telephone: +31 (0) 71 527 27 44, e-mail:
h.f.westgeest@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Course code: KPS0806
Title:
Curatorial Training Programme
Content: The Curatorial Training Programme (CTP) introduces students to the
current practice of museum curators and exhibition makers in the field
of photography. Meetings with photographers, curators, designers and
funders will provide insight into diverse aspects of curatorial work in a
variety of platforms and media (museums, internet, book production).
Practical knowledge will be gained through interim projects and
assignments focusing on the curator’s many but integrated tasks.
Instructors: Bas Vroege
Method of Seminar and practicum.
instruction:
Level: 400.
ECTS:
9 ECTS.
Study
- Henk van Os , ‘Slechts drie maanden de Nachtwacht. De hamster, de
material: exhibitionist, de demonstrator, de smaakbevestiger en de vertoner: een
typologie van de makers van tentoonstellingen voor musea’, in: De
Groene Amsterdammer, November 26, 2004 (http://www.groene.nl/
2004/0448/hvo_essay.html).
- Bas Vroege, ‘The future of photography – the future looks bright / the
future looks cumbersome’, in: Roberta Valtorta (ed.), È contemporanea
la fotografia? Milan: Museo di Fotografia Contemporanea, 2004
(http://paradox.nl/maps/futureofphotography.pdf).
- Mary Anne Staniszewski, The power of display. A history of
exhibition installations at the Museum of Modern Art, Cambridge:
MIT Press, 1998. (Chapters 1, 2 & 4).
- Additional literature: to be announced.
Examination: Analysis of photographers’ portfolios and recommendations for
presentation (4 ECTS); presentation of a project for which the
Mondriaan Foundation’s grant conditions and procedures will be taken
as the guidelines. The course requirements are fulfilled by a
presentation of the project (both orally and in written form), comprised
of a comprehensive description of the project, worked out to include
20

Time table:
Information:
the presentation platforms (5 ECTS).
First term. First seminar: Wednesday, September 9 th (10:oo-12:30 a.m.,
2:00-4:30 p.m.) at the building of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts,
Prinsessegracht 4, The Hague.
Bas Vroege, e-mail: bv@paradox.nl.
Course code: KPS0808
Title:
Critical writing
Content: The writing of short notices and reviews of current events and issues
(exhibitions, festivals, discussions, policy) and publications (photo
books, websites). Articles, journalistic in nature, with the intention of
shaping the opinions of a specific audience, are discussed in individual
and group settings.
Instructor: Dr. Rachel Esner
Method of Seminar.
instruction:
Level: 400.
ECTS:
3 ECTS.
Study
To be announced
material:
Examination: The final mark is based on the results of the individual written
assignments.
Time table: Second term. First meeting: Tuesday, February 9 th 2010 (10:00 a.m.-
13:00 p.m.) at the Print Room (Prentenkabinet), University Library.
Information: Dr. Rachel Esner, telephone: +31 (0) 71 527 30 35, e-mail:
r.esner@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Course code: KPS0902
Title:
Workshop 2
Content: Project-based learning. Students prepare a concept, content and model
based on photographic documentation, either originated or archival.
Encouraging cross discipline thinking, interacting with institutions
and colleagues and engagement with the subject is a major focus in the
workshop. Students in this manner become acquainted with the
notion of ‘collaboration’. This workshop may evolve into the elective
spring independent collaborative project. The content may be related
to an internship or be part of pre-thesis work.
Instructor: Prof. Dr. Susan Meiselas.
Method of Instructional group meetings and individual consultations. The
instruction: approach of Workshop 2 is comparable with that of Workshop 1, the
Curatorial Training Programme, the Collaborative project and is
intended to serve as preparation for a visual thesis.
Level: 400.
ECTS:
3 ECTS.
Study
Graeme Sullivan, Art practice as research: inquiry in the visual arts.
material: Thousands Oaks (CA): Sage Publications, 2005.
Additional literature: to be announced.
Examination: The final work consists of a presentation along with a written concept
21

Time table:
Information:
identifying a model that should include photographs and other visual
materials prepared and designed in a digital form or maquette for a
book. The document should be approximately 600-900 words.
Second term. Starting February 1 st 2010 (five days in total), followed by
reflection on the workshop, discussion and a series of individual
consultations on a collaborative project and/or pre-thesis work in
March and April.
Study coordinator, t.b.a.
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 18 05, e-mail: maps@hum.leidenuniv.nl
The second semester includes 10 elective ECTS; students are allowed to choose:
1. a collaborative project with Susan Meiselas or
2. an internship or
3. elective courses.
Course code: KPS0809a
Title:
Collaborative project
Content: With a collaborative project students are to become acquainted with
the working method of Susan Meiselas, photographer and visual
historian. Regarding the content of the collaborative project, it may be
related to an internship or be part of pre-thesis work. Relevant imageoriented
disciplines and institutions are to take part in the project.
Susan Meiselas will visit The Netherlands two times during the
programme with regard to the collaborative project and discuss:
- proposals and models regarding photographic documentation and the
photo essay;
- work in progress; individual consultations with students;
- final version of collaborative project and assessment.
Instructor: Prof. Dr. Susan Meiselas.
Method of Instructional group meetings and individual. The approach of the
instruction: collaborative project is comparable with that of a workshop and is
intended to serve as preparation for a visual thesis.
Level: 400.
ECTS:
10 ECTS.
Study
Relevant for the chosen topic.
material:
Examination: The examination of this collaborative project consists of a final
presentation and a written document that should include photographs
and prepared and designed in a manner suitable for publication in
either print or digital form. The document should be approximately
4000 words and contain a minimum of 40 images.
Information: Study coordinator, t.b.a.
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 18 05, e-mail: maps@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Course code:
Title:
Aims and
objectives:
KPS00809b
Internship
- Acquiring knowledge about and insight into the performance of tasks
and the accompanying personnel functions carried out in the practice
22

Instructor:
Arranging an
internship
and
supervision:
Evaluation:
Level: 400.
ECTS:
10 ECTS.
Report:
Information:
of photography, for instance as a photo historian, curator, critic,
photographic agent, editor or exhibition maker. The purpose is to
initiate and develop contact with the professional field; an internship
helps the student to concretely orient him/herself to professional
practice, but preferably also serves to bring the student into contact
with a research topic for his/her thesis.
Supervision by a member of the staff.
The programme seeks positions for interns in the Netherlands and
other countries, and maintains contact with employers from the art
and cultural sector. A number of intern positions are offered each
academic year, but you may also approach an institution and seek an
internship on your own initiative.
Having found a position, you must then find a staff supervisor and fill
in the required forms, which may be obtained from the Study
coordinator or Programme chair. You will also be required to submit a
detailed internship plan, which has been worked out with the
employing institution. These documents will then need to be approved
by your staff supervisor and/or the Programme chair. If, through any
circumstances, the internship is not applied for and approved in
advance, the Examination committee retains the right to reject the
internship position on grounds of content.
You will be expected to report periodically to your staff supervisor,
with other arrangements for supervision made on an individual basis.
The final evaluation of the internship will be based on the intern’s final
report (see below) and an assessment by the supervisor from the
institution.
Students conclude their internship with a report which provides
sufficient insight into the work performed. The report will contain:
- a characterization of the intern’s place of work;
- the motivation for having chosen this internship position;
- daily or weekly reports (maintaining a diary as background for the
preparation of the report is strongly advised);
- an evaluation of the internship: the original plan compared with the
practice and the ultimate results, including an answer to the question
what you have learned during the internship. The work produced or
representative parts thereof should appear as an appendix/appendices.
The internship report must be sent to the institution where the
internship took place and to the staff supervisor. The institution also
produces a written evaluation on the basis of a standardised evaluation
formula, which can be obtained from the Study coordinator or
Programme chair.
Study coordinator, t.b.a.
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 18 05, e-mail: maps@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Course code:
Title:
KPS0809c
Electives
23

Content:
See 5.2 (Electives) for more information.
Course code: KPS0810
Title:
Textual thesis
Content: The programme maintains close contacts with Dutch photography
institutions, publishers and media. They can suggest questions that
require academic research. It is conceivable that the development and
realisation of a project could be done in cooperation with, or on behalf
of an existing organisation. An internship or collaborative project
could be part of the fulfilling of this requirement.
Aims and The general educational aim of a Master’s thesis is to train a student in
objectives: independently organising, carrying out, analysing and reporting on a
theoretical and/or empirical research project involving a subject
relevant to Photographic Studies, making use of relevant publications.
This should add new insights to existing knowledge, and stimulate
innovative research.
The Master’s in Photographic Studies requires preparation of a thesis of
approximately 17.000 words (excluding the notes and bibliography). It
is advisable that the student starts thinking about the thesis topic at an
early stage. In the first semester the choice of a subject will be discussed
during one or more of the group meetings.
Early in the second semester the student is expected to start to work on
the thesis. The thesis should be completed by the end of the second
semester.
The Master’s thesis needs to comply to the highest standards of
academic research and scholarship. In various courses offered in the
Master’s programme the student will learn how to conduct research
and to write academic papers. Among the criteria used to evaluate the
thesis are originality, theoretical framework, methodology,
argumentation and scholarly presentation.
Instructor(s): Individual supervision by staff members (depending on research topic).
Method of Tutorial sessions in the form of group guidance (first and second
instruction: semester) and individual supervision by one or more staff members.
Supervision: The instructor should possess expertise in the field of the chosen thesis
subject. The instructor (first reader) has principal responsibility for
guiding the progress of the thesis. A second reader reviews and assesses
the first final draft of the thesis and will work with the supervisor to
determine whether the candidate may begin the graduation procedure.
The final grade will be based on the definitive version of the thesis and
the assessment of both the supervisor and second reader.
Level: 600.
ECTS:
15 ECTS.
Study
Depending on the chosen topic.
material:
Examination: Thesis of approximately 17.000 words (excluding notes and
bibliography). A summary of the thesis (in English, 400 words) should
be added to the actual thesis.
Time table: First and second term.
24

Course code:
Title:
Content:
Aims and
objectives:
Instructor:
Method of
instruction:
Supervision:
KPS0810
Visual thesis
Students are to write a comprehensive project proposal and attendant
research question, supplemented by a literature review of relevant
work in any discipline related to the topic. This proposal should
demonstrate understanding of the photographic issues related to the
research question.
Scholarly positioning requires continuous dialogue with artistic
practice. In many respects this will result in higher quality, more
collaboration and increased insight. Stimulating interdisciplinary
thinking is an objective of the programme, particularly with regard to
visual anthropology, media studies, visual culture, journalism and
history.
Individual supervision by staff members (depending on research topic).
Individual supervision.
The supervisors (minimum of two) possess expertise in the field into
which the thesis subject falls. The supervisors have joint responsibility
for guiding the progress of the thesis. Together they will review and
assess the final version of the thesis.
Level: 600.
ECTS:
15 ECTS.
Study
Depending on the chosen topic.
material:
Examination:
Time table:
Criteria for evaluating the visual thesis include: originality, choice of
adequate artistic framework, social relevance, quality of data
collection, sequencing and analysis, and the integration of images and
text.
The final visual thesis should have photographs and texts fully
presented in a design suitable for publication in either print or digital
media. The thesis should include a text of approximately 8,000 words
(excluding notes and bibliography) and a minimum of 40 images, any
specially prepared field notes, a review of relevant literature, and the
original project proposal. A summary of the thesis (in English, 400
words) should be added to the actual thesis.
First and second term.
Levels
The level indications of the courses listed above have the following significance:
- level 400: specialised course, characterised by: basic and specialised literature (academic
articles); tested (in part) by means of a written examination, a small research project, a
paper presented orally by the student, or a written term paper;
- level 500: an academically oriented course, characterised by: study of advanced academic
literature in the field, intended for researchers; testing oriented to problem solving, by
means of an oral or written presentation of the student’s own research, with independent
critical handling of the material;
25

- level 600: highly specialised course, characterised by: current scholarly articles; latest
advances in thinking in the field; independent contribution in which a previously
unresolved problem is dealt with, with oral presentation.
Forms of teaching
The programme consists of a number of modules in which the conveyance of information
takes place in different ways. In general, teaching at the university level takes these forms:
lectures, seminars, practical lessons.
Lectures
Lectures are intended as an introduction to a specific, often wide-ranging topic, and to
independent research.
Seminars
In seminars the students are expected to study the subjects largely independently. Students
are expected to take an active part in discussions during the seminar. The testing consists
of preparing a written paper and/or giving a presentation.
Practical lessons
Students become acquainted with the practice of various segments of the profession. They
develop their portfolio or dossier, write articles and/or produce own photographic work,
evaluated by the instructor.
Attendance/absence
Students are required to be present at all classes, at all levels of study! Missing a class once
without a specific reason is permitted. A second absence is only permitted with a valid
reason, such as illness or pressing family circumstances. In this case, the student should
contact the Study coordinator.
5.2 Electives and internship
Electives
The elective option of 10 ECTS can be fulfilled in three ways, namely by participation in a
collaborative project, by taking on an internship, or by taking elective classes. In the latter
case, the student’s choice must be approved by the Examination committee of
Photographic Studies. Give yourself adequate time to consider the content of the elective
option. By doing this, you can make preparations at an early stage, and prevent
disappointment (for example because a class that you wished to take is already full).
You may take elective classes at Leiden University, but also at universities elsewhere in The
Netherlands. Elective classes at art academies may only be taken in addition to the regular
programme of studies, and cannot be considered for fulfilling the elective option.
Electives within the Master’s in Photographic Studies must fulfil a number of
requirements:
26

- The electives must be at least at the 400 level. If a class is at the 300 level, but you are
convinced that it fits well with your thesis subject or is highly relevant to your research,
contact the Examination committee of the Master’s in Photographic Studies.
- Electives may only be taken at another university if there is no class on the same subject
offered at Leiden.
- The Examination committee decides if your proposed elective is relevant and fits with the
Master’s programme.
- Taking two electives of 5 ECTS each is permitted, provided the classes are on the 400
level.
Electives at Leiden University
The Keuzevakkengids (Guide to electives) offers an overview of hundreds of elective
classes at Leiden. The 2009-2010 edition can be found at:
http://www.studiegids.leidenuniv.nl.
Electives outside Leiden University
Search the internet for courses which appear to be of interest. Look, for example, at the
University of Amsterdam’s programme in Art History or Communications Sciences, or
Erasmus University Rotterdam’s Department of Arts and Culture Studies (FHKW). See for
more information: www.fhk.eur.nl or e-mail: gierstberg@fhk.eur.nl (Prof. Frits Gierstberg,
MA).
For advice and guidance contact the Study coordinator.
Internship
Taking on an internship is encouraged and can, for example, serve as a preliminary step to
formulating a research project for the Master’s thesis.
Each academic year there are a number of internships offered by the programme, but you
can also seek out an internship on your own initiative by approaching a specific
institution. A selection of Dutch institutions offering internships are listed below. If you
are interested in one of these internships, make contact with the Study coordinator of the
Master’s programme, and make an appointment with the contact person of the institute
involved for an interview. There are only a limited number of places, so don’t delay too
long!
If you have found an internship on your own, be sure the Study coordinator or the
Programme chair regarding the procedures for approval.
Photography Collection of the Print Room (Prentenkabinet)/
Division of Special Collections, University Library Leiden
The photography collection of the Leiden Print Room (Prentenkabinet) is the oldest public
photography collection in the Netherlands. Being an academic collection, it still has a
special position amongst the diverse Dutch photography collections and archives. It
houses the earliest photographic experiments from the times of the invention of
photography, as well as daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and many other intriguing processes.
Themes and currents of twentieth-century photography are also represented, and the
27

esearch and acquisitions of the Print Room focus also on work of contemporary
photographers.
Interns in the Print Room are offered the chance to work with rare original historical prints
and objects, but also to research and assist the work of contemporary photographers and
artists. They become acquainted with various museological tasks and responsibilities of the
photography curator. These include collecting, restoration, conservation, executing
inventories, evaluating photographs for content and financial value, and dealing with
rights and loans. Creating access to the collection by appointing meaning to images and
digitisation are also dealt with, as well as initiating research, exhibitions and publications
with the collection as starting point.
For a comprehensive description of the intern’s responsibilities and upcoming projects,
contact: Maartje van den Heuvel MA (Photography curator), telephone: +31 (0)71 527 27 92,
e-mail: m.e.n.van.den.heuvel@library.leidenuniv.nl.
The Hague Museum of Photography (Fotomuseum Den Haag)
The Hague Museum of Photography offers consecutive internships for students from the
Master’s in Photographic Studies.
For a comprehensive description of the intern’s responsibilities and upcoming projects,
contact Wim van Sinderen, telephone: +31 (0)70 338 11 39, e-mail: vansinderen@fmdh.nl.
Nederlands Fotomuseum
The Nederlands Fotomuseum, located in Rotterdam, is a national centre of excellence for
photography. The museum regards photography as a medium with social and artistic
functions. As a result, the museum works in a broad and varied field, which includes
contemporary and historic photography, professional and amateur photography, through
to photography as a component of visual culture. With its collections, the Nederlands
Fotomuseum administers an important part of the Fotocollectie Nederland. The museum
offers knowledge of, insight into and experience with the countless branches of
photography, both to the interested public and professionals. With its programme of
presentations, education, discussions, research, making its collections accessible,
conservation and restoration and other activities, the museum seeks to: spot and highlight
current developments in photography; deepen thinking about the medium; fill in blank
spaces in the history of photography, and increase knowledge about the management and
administration of photography.
For a comprehensive description of the intern’s responsibilities and upcoming projects,
contact Gerda Mulder (head, General Affairs), Wilhelminakade 332, 3072 AR Rotterdam, e-
mail: gmulder@nederlandsfotomuseum.nl.
Spaarnestad Photo
Spaarnestad Photo in Haarlem is the biggest photo archive in the Netherlands. With over
240 different collections and 11 million items, Spaarnestad Photo concentrates on Dutch
press photo archives that have now become redundant. The collection is unique, not only
because it contains (inter)national (news) photography dating from the late nineteenth to
the twenty-first century from all kinds of sources, but also because of the vastness of the
subjects it covers. Research into the collections is still in its infancy, so there are many
opportunities for interns.
28

For a comprehensive description of the intern’s responsibilities and upcoming projects,
contact Freek Baars (chief curator of the collections): +31 (0)23 518 51 54, e-mail:
fbaars@spaarnestadphoto.nl .
In the past internships have also taken place at: National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden
(contact: Linda Roodenburg, Linda@volkenkunde.nl); Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
(contact: Hripsimé Visser, telephone: +31 (0)20 573 29 11, e-mail: h.visser@stedelijk.nl);
FOAM Amsterdam; Noor Images (contact Claudia Hinterseer, telephone +31 (0)20 616
4040, e-mail: claudia@noorimages.com); Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Fotomuseum
Winterthur; and International Centre of Photography, New York. Other possibilities are:
Fotomuseum Antwerp, World Press Photo and Paradox in Edam (production, research;
contact: Bas Vroege, e-mail: bv@paradox.nl). Susan Meiselas also offers consecutive
internships in the USA (information: susan@susanmeiselas.com).
5.3 Other activities
Over the course of the academic year some extra time is scheduled for meetings and
excursions alongside the regular programme. These are important for students in
providing them with an orientation to the research and writing of the thesis and to
professional practice. Students do not receive credits for this component.
Activities may include
- Visits to important photography institutions such as museums, collections and libraries.
- One or two meeting to discuss the research and writing of the thesis.
- One or two meetings in which students will be asked to present their ideas for the thesis
and their preliminary research and findings.
5.4 The Master’s thesis
The subject of the Master’s thesis is chosen in consultation with one of the supervising
instructors. It is a test of the student’s ability to carry out independent academic research,
under the guidance of an instructor. It is advised that you begin to think about a subject
from the very beginning of the Master’s programme.
Orientation
For the Master’s thesis it is expected that the student will undertake the research in a
manner as autonomous as possible. Efficient independent work also means that the
information and expertise available in the research field will be well used, and that the
experience of writing the thesis will encourage the student’s maximum development.
The Master’s thesis
Because academic positioning requires continuous dialogue with artistic practice, the
student has a choice between a textual or a visual thesis. Select a topic which can be
29

ealised within the period available. Good delimitation of the subject is critical for the
success of the undertaking.
Timeline
Begin your actual research project with ample time before the date it must be submitted.
Do not postpone the writing too long: begin your writing even while your research is ongoing.
Make sound working agreements with your supervisor. If problems should arise
with the supervision for which a solution cannot be quickly found, contact the Study
coordinator.
Evaluation
In addition to the primary supervisor (first reader), a second reader reviews and assesses the
first final draft of the thesis and will work with the supervisor to determine whether the
candidate may begin the graduation procedure. The final grade will be based on the
definitive version of the thesis and the assessment of both the supervisor and second
reader.
Literature on writing a thesis
Literature about writing a thesis, and a number of tips on the steps that one must go
through in writing a thesis, can be found at:
http://www.leidenuniv.nl/ics/sz/so/scriptie.html (in Dutch).
5.5 Graduation
The intention is that students in the Master’s in Photographic Studies will complete their
Master’s examination (the final interview with the supervisor and second reader regarding
the Master’s thesis) at the end of August, followed by graduation. The presentation of the
diploma would thus take place in the month of September.
If you do not graduate at the end of August, the examination regarding the Master’s thesis
takes place on the same day the diploma is awarded. As a rule, this Master’s examination
lasts about forty-five minutes. The diploma is only presented after a positive evaluation.
In either case – whether you graduate in September, or in another month – the thesis is
evaluated by the supervisor and a second reader. In principle, the second reader is chosen
by the student, after discussion with the supervisor.
If you wish to graduate at the end of August, the first version of your thesis (including
notes, bibliography, illustrations and other possible appendices) should be submitted in
June of the 2009-2010 academic year. This date can only be postponed with the permission
of the supervisor.
If you are graduating in a different month, you must take into account a period of one
month, minimum, between the improved first version and the completion of the definitive
version of the Master’s thesis. After the completion of the definitive version it will take a
minimum of three weeks before the diploma can be presented.
The thesis supervisor receives three copies of the graduation thesis, one for him/herself,
one for the thesis archive of the department (in the Print Room, in the University Library),
30

and one for the faculty. The student is responsible for delivering the second and third
copies to the secretariat.
Application for the Master’s examination
You apply for the examination through the Study coordinator of the Master’s in
Photographic Studies by filling in the examination request form. The form must include
the full and definitive title of the thesis. Once it has been determined that all the
requirements of the Master’s have been fulfilled, and all elements of the programme have
been completed, the Study coordinator will see to it that a letter of permission for the
graduation is issued by the Examination committee.
The graduation committee is comprised of at least two members. These are generally the
supervisor and the second reader for the Master’s thesis. The date and time of the
graduation will be determined in consultation with these committee members. In
connection with the availability of space where the examination can take place, the
candidate should report to the Registrar’s Office (Bureau van de Pedel), Rapenburg 32,
Leiden, at least three full weeks before the planned date. Those graduating at the end of
August must report to the Registrar’s Office no later than the last work day in August.
In all cases students must submit the following to the Registrar’s Office:
- a copy of the written permission from the thesis supervisor;
- the letter of permission from the Examination committee for holding the examination.
All those completing the Master’s examination successfully receive a diploma and the
supplement which accompanies it. The supplement lists all the courses which were
completed during the Master’s in Photographic Studies, the number of credits, and the
grade obtained. Other elements which have been completed within the allotted time are
also included.
31

6. Supplementary information
6.1 Libraries in Leiden
University Library, Leiden
www.library.leiden.edu.
Department of Art History Library
Location: Doelensteeg 16, Huizinga Building (until September 2009)
After September 2009: University Library, Witte Singel 25
Mon-Fri: 08:30 a.m.-22:00 p.m. (the circulation desk closes at 17:00 on Fridays) .
Telephone circulation desk: +31 (0)71 527 28 14.
Print Room (Prentenkabinet)
Location: University Library, Witte Singel 27, Leiden (2 nd floor)
Opening hours:
- Photography Library Print Room: Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
- Special Collections Reading Room (to view prints and objects from the photography
collection): on appointment Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 27 00/28 57.
Digital Slide Library: DigiBeeld
A part of the slide library collection has been made available via internet. You can use your
ULCN name + password to log in to this digital image collection (DigiBeeld). A user’s guide
can be called up from the homepage of DigiBeeld. An expansion of the basic files is
presently being worked on. Consult: DigiBeeld via http://beeldbank.wsd.leidenuniv.nl.
6.2 Course-related activities
Photo techniques: Identifying Course
The purpose of the Identifying Course is to permit participants to gain knowledge about
photographic processes. They learn to recognise a wide range of these techniques, from
historic photographic processes through printing techniques to contemporary digital
developments.
With regard to the basic knowledge, participants are expected to know the basic
techniques of taking photographs and printing negatives.
The course offers its participants:
1. basic knowledge of conservation materials, handling and preservation of prints;
2. knowledge of how to identify historic and contemporary photographic and
photomechanical processes in theory and in practice, with special attention to:
- photographic materials (negatives, positives, film types, etc.)
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- silver processes
- non-silver processes (carbon prints, gum processes)
- photomechanical processes
- digital prints.
The study of the qualities, characteristics and expected future possibilities of recent digital
image production follows the block dealing with historic analogue procedures. In this
second block attention is devoted to all sorts of printing from digital image files (inkjet,
pigment, iris, lambda, etc.), but also to aspects of interactive digital production and their
environments (cd-rom, websites). Particularly in the field of the digital productions this has
led to radically different debates about the ‘why and how’ of the material to be conserved.
In addition, insight into the necessary hardware and software is also required, so that
material preserved digitally can in the future also be shown in the form in which it was
intended to appear.
The participation costs for students (including a copy of the reader) are: € 350,-
(considerably less expensive than for non-students). Participants can register during the
period November-December (2007). The course will be held from March through June
(2009). For an informational brochure and registration, contact the photography curator of
the Print Room, Maartje van den Heuvel MA, e-mail:
m.e.n.van.den.heuvel@library.leidenuniv.nl or assistant curator Joke Pronk, e-mail:
j.pronk@ library.leidenuniv.nl.
Friends of the Print Room of Leiden University
The Leiden Print Room houses an extensive and multifaceted collection of photographs,
prints and drawings which are intensively used in the education and research in the
department. Students study the material from the collection and regularly assist in the
preparation of exhibitions.
The Friends of the Print Room sets for itself the goal of furthering the interests of the
Leiden Print Room in the widest sense and, among other things, making it possible to
expand the collection with new acquisitions.
Students at Leiden can support the work of the Friends by becoming a donor. You can sign
up with Nelke Bartelings MA, Department of Art History, Doelensteeg 16, 2311 VL Leiden,
telephone: +31 (0)71 527 27 56, e-mail: n.l.bartelings@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
6.3 Important photography institutions and training programmes
Below is a selection of important museums, foundations, collections and training
programmes in the field of photography in the Netherlands. The list is not exhaustive, but
offers websites with links to photography-related subjects such as current exhibitions,
photographers, international collections and ongoing research.
Nederlands Fotomuseum Rotterdam
Ruud Visschedijk (director)
Wilhelminakade 332, 3072 AR Rotterdam
Telephone: +31 (0)10 213 20 11, e-mail: rvisschedijk@nederlandsfotomuseum.nl
www.nederlandsfotomuseum.nl
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Fotomuseum Den Haag
Wim van Sinderen (chief curator)
Stadhouderslaan 43, 2517 HV The Hague
Telephone: +31 (0)70 338 11 44, e-mail: vansinderen@fmdh.nl
www.fotomuseumdenhaag.nl
Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)
Department of Arts and Culture Studies (FHKW),
Frits Gierstberg
Telephone: +31 (0)10-408 2487, e-mail: gierstberg@fhk.eur.nl
www.fhk.eur.nl
FOAM
Keizersgracht 609, 1017 DS Amsterdam
Telephone: 31 (0)20 55 16 500, e-mail: info@foam.nl
www.foam.nl
De Hallen
Grote Markt 16, 2011 RD Haarlem
Telephone: + 31 (0)23 511 57 75, e-mail: franshalsmuseum@haarlem.nl
www.dehallen.com
Het Rijksprentenkabinet/Rijksmuseum
Mattie Boom
Frans van Mierisstraat 92, 1071 RZ Amsterdam
Telephone: +31 (0)20 674 70 00, e-mail: m.boom@rijksmuseum.nl
www.rijksmuseum.nl
Huis Marseille
Foundation for photography
Keizersgracht 401, 1016 EK Amsterdam
Telephone: +31 (0)20 531 89 89, e-mail: info@huismarseille.nl
www.huismarseille.nl
Instituut voor Concrete Materie (ICM)
Nieuwe Kruisstraat 19, 2011 RN Haarlem
Maria Austria Instituut (MAI)
Gemeentearchief, Amsteldijk 67, 1074 HZ Amsterdam
Telephone: +31 (0)20 673 25 06, e-mail: info@maiphoto.nl
www.maria-austria-instituut.nl
Nederlands Fotogenootschap (NFg)
Information about Dutch photo collections
www.fotogenootschap.nl
Post-St. Joost, Breda
Post-academic training for photography
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http://www.stjoost.nl
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Hripsimé Visser
Telephone: +31 (0)20 573 29 11, e-mail: h.visser@stedelijk.nl
Stichting PhotoQ
Current news about photography
www.photoq.nl
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Faculty of Humanities
History and theory of photography
www.fgw.uva.nl
6.4 Recommended readings for preparation and orientation
We strongly recommend you read the following books before beginning the Master’s in
Photographic Studies.
- Roland Barthes, Camera lucida. Reflections on photography. New York: Hill and Wang,
1981.
- Geoffrey Batchen, Each wild idea. Writing photography history. Cambridge [etc.]: MIT
Press, 2001
- Gisele Freund, Photography and society. London: Gordon Fraser, 1980.
- Michel Frizot, A new history of photography. Cologne: Konemann, 1998.
- Susan Sontag, On photography, London: Picador 2001
- Liz Wells, Photography: A critical introduction. London: Routledge, 1997.
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7. Schedule
Division of the year
The academic year consists of two semesters. Each semester ends with a break in
educational activities; that is to say, there are no contact hours. Students will be
responsible for carrying out on his or her own any assignments that run over this period,
the. The first semester runs from August 31 st (2009) through December 20 th (2009); the
second semester from February 1 st (2010) through May 3o th (2010).
Opening academic year
The opening of the academic year takes place on August 31 st (2009).
Holidays and required free days
- Lifting of the Siege of Leiden: October 3 rd (2009)
- Christmas and New Year’s Holiday: December 25 th (2009) – January 1 st (2010)
- Anniversary of the founding of the University: February 8 th (2010; no classes after 1:00
p.m.)
- Good Friday: April 2 nd (2010)
- Easter: April 4 th and 5 th (2010)
- Queen’s Birthday: April 30 th (2010)
- Liberation Day (WW II): May 5 th (2010)
- Ascension: May 13 th and 14 th (2010)
- Pentecost: May 23 rd and 24 th (2010)
- El Cid: August 160 th through 20 th (2010)
Class periods
The class periods always cover 16 weeks, but this does not obligate the lecturer to 16 weeks
of contact hours. The periods rather give the instructors the opportunity to distribute the
educational activities as ideally as possible.
Education-free periods
Christmas, Easter and summer vacation are education-free periods; final examinations are
also not possible. Other tests are also not taken during these times, unless by mutual
agreement between the instructor and student.
Schedule
Before the beginning of the academic year the schedule will be distributed to all students in
the programme.
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8. Other sources of information
ICS information desk
The information desk is the first stop for all kinds of information that does not involve the
content of the study programme – for instance, about registering and deregistration,
tuition fees, study financing, special admissions, etc. There are also all sorts of brochures
available. If necessary, you can be referred to other staff.
Address: Student Centre Plexus
Kaiserstraat 25, Leiden
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 80 11, e-mail: informatiecentrum@ics.leidenuniv.nl
Internet: www.studenten.leidenuniv.nl or www.plexus.leidenuniv.nl
Open: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Change of address
Moving? Let the University know about your new address through the central student
administration. You can do that in various ways: via U-Twist, by mailing a change of
address card to Student Administration, Post Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, or by dropping it
off at the information desk. Don’t forget to include your student number. University mail
will only be redirected to your new address if you report your move centrally; sending a
change of address to your department is not enough!
PITSstop
You can find catalogues from other universities in The Netherlands at PITSstop (Plexus
Informatie Trefpunt voor Studenten). There you will also find information on studying in
other countries – (including tourist reports), the job market, job application procedures
and university regulations. The International Office has someone available for
consultation in the Trefpunt every Monday and Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Students
can also take a study choice and career choice test at PITSstop. On the PITSstop site you can
also find a selection of other handy websites.
Student Centre Plexus
Kaiserstraat 25, Leiden
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 80 25, e-mail: pitsstop@plexus.leidenuniv.nl
Internet: www.pitsstop.leidenuniv.nl
BUL – Study choice and career service
Study choice
Students can go to the study choice/career advisors of BUL if they have doubts about their
present choice of study, if they are finding it difficult to choose a new study, and/or don’t
know how to approach the process of choosing.
For only € 3,50 you can take a study choice test. This test can then be discussed with one of
the study choice/career advisors.
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Career, job applications and the job market
You’ve graduated – and then what? What are the possibilities on the job market? How can
you go about preparing for the job market in the best way? What happens in a job hunting
procedure, and what is important when writing your letter of application, and in doing a
job interview?
Career guidance takes place in the form of individual consultations, one or more
workshops and/or the workbook Op zoek naar werk (Looking for work).
Workshops: Career orientation, CV and letters of application, Job interviews and the
solicitation procedure; Psychological tests and Assessment centres.
More information about the activities of BUL can be found at www.bul.leidenuniv.nl.
Student Centre Plexus
Kaiserstraat 25, Leiden
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 80 11, e-mail: bul@ics.leidenuniv.nl
Appointments possible.
Walk-in consultation: Tuesday: 10:00-11:00 a.m. (discussing study choice test results/discussing
CV and application letters).
Student counsellors
The student counsellors can offer advice in all sorts of areas: financial problems, problems
with making progress in your studies through personal or other circumstances, lack of
clarity about one’s legal status with visas, etc. They also offer support to students on sports
scholarships and students with a handicap.
Walk-in consultation: Monday through Friday 3:30-4:30 p.m. in Plexus.
Student Centre Plexus
Kaiserstraat 25, Leiden
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 80 26 and +31 (0)71 527 80 11, e-mail: decanen@ics.leidenuniv.nl
Internet: www.studenten.leidenuniv.nl or www.plexus.leidenuniv.nl
Student psychologists
You may go to the student psychologists with problems that are adversely affecting your
studies, such as family problems, dissatisfaction about social contacts, depression and
relational problems. They also have courses and training programmes that help with, for
example, problems with concentration, anxiety about exams, study stress, problems in
planning and deferment neurosis. There is also extensive advice on their website regarding
writing a thesis, and other matters. Problems? Don’t just keep slogging through, but look at
the website, and if necessary make an appointment.
Walk-in consultation: Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m.- noon in Plexus, Kaiserstraat 25.
Appointments possible: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Rapenburg 70, Leiden
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 80 26, e-mail: psychologen@ics.leidenuniv.nl
Internet: www.studenten.leidenuniv.nl or www.plexus.leidenuniv.nl
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Ombudsperson
Students with complaints about the conduct of a staff member or an administrative body
of Leiden University can go to the office of the ombudsperson. This is prof. dr. Tineke
Willemsen.
The ombudsperson handles complaints in an independent and strictly confidential
manner. Anonymous complaints, however, will not be dealt with.
Post Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 36 57 (Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) , e-mail:
ombudsfunctionaris@ics.leidenuniv.nl
Internet: www.ombudsfunctionaris.leidenuniv.nl
Harassment and sexual intimidation
There are specialist confidential counsellors appointed to deal with cases of sexual
intimidation, harassment in the workplace, aggression, violence and discrimination. If you
are confronted with any of these, make an appointment, so that you and your studies do
not suffer needlessly from the situation.
Gemeenschappelijke Bedrijfsgezondheidsdienst (GBGD), Poortgebouw Zuid (3 rd floor)
Rijnsburgerweg 10, Leiden
Telephone: +31 (0)71 527 80 15
Informatie Beheer Groep (IBG)
Regiokantoor IBG
Koninginnegracht 12b/13, 2514 AA Den Haag
Telephone: +31 (0)50 599 77 55, e-mail: vragen@ib-groep.nl
Internet: www.ib-groep.nl
Open: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
For questions about the merit grant, student public transit pass, earnings while on study
grants and other financial matters, students can go to a regional office of the IBG. It is
recommended that you make notes of conversations with the IBG representative: note the
name of the person and the time of the discussion. In the unlikely event of problems, it is
then easier to refer back to the discussion that took place and possible claims that can be
derived from it.
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