The KNIR special collections hold valuable treasures, which are the subject of important study and valorization projects. We are talking about a collection of more than a thousand rare books and other materials, from the sixteenth up to the twenty-first century, covering a wide array of topics. During this intensive course, students will gain hands-on experience in exploring the KNIR special collections from an interdisciplinary perspective. BA and (R)MA students in History of the Book, Italian Studies, History, Art- and Architectural History, Classics, Renaissance Studies, and related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
The resources covered in the course will be studied in the broader contexts of:
- the book considered as a material object in itself, with everything that concerns the edition (and its diffusion), the manufacture, the manuscript notes, the indications of ownership, etc.;
- the content and the subject matter of the book, seen in the context of (early) modern scholarship (in the fields of literature, arts, history etc.) and book history;
- the history of the KNIR and the development of its collections and research interests in the past, present and future;
- the current collections of the KNIR library, especially the special ones, with particular attention to the preservation and care of physical copies, the linking of specific resources to others in the library’s collections or to resources of other institutions, for specific research purposes.
The course combines lectures and practical workshops with excursions to famous libraries and other sites in Rome. Before the course starts, students will choose a specific item for individual study from a preselected list of books and other materials in the KNIR collection, and write a short essay about it. During the course there are multiple self-study sessions where the students will be able to study their chosen item in person and write the longer and final version of the essay, as well as a short entry for the catalogue of the KNIR library. All participants will work together on a (digital) exhibition that will be presented to the staff and KNIR community towards the end of the course.
Coordinator
Susanna de Beer (KNIR Director of Ancient Studies and Classical Reception)
Teaching Staff
Diana Giofrè (KNIR Head of the library), Susanna de Beer, several guest lecturers.
Target group and admission
The course is open to a maximum of 10 selected BA and (R)MA students in History of the Book, Italian Studies, History, Art- and Architectural History, Classics, Renaissance Studies, and related disciplines from KNIR partner universities (University of Amsterdam, Free University of Amsterdam, Leiden University, Utrecht University, Radboud University, University of Groningen)
Credits
The study load is the equivalent of 5 ECTS (140 hours). Each student should arrange with their university coordinator whether the course can be a part of their existing curriculum. After successful completion of the course, the KNIR provides a certificate mentioning study load and evaluation.
Costs
Tuition and lodging at the KNIR is free for selected participants from the above mentioned Dutch universities. Personal expenses, including meals, are not included. Students receive a reimbursement of their travelexpenses to Rome up to a maximum of €100 (or up to a maximum of €125 if they travel by train) after submission of their final essay.
Facilities in Rome
All participants will be housed at the Royal Netherlands Institute near Rome’s Villa Borghese Park. From there, it is only a short walk to the historical centre of Rome. The KNIR accommodation consists of shared bedrooms and bathrooms, and includes a living and dining space, a large kitchen, washing machine and wireless internet. All residents have 24/7 access to the library and gardens of the Royal Netherlands Institute.
Application and admission
The course is a selective course with a maximum of 10 participants. The selection of participants is based on grades, the added value of the course in the student’s curriculum, a letter of motivation, and the composition of the group. Students can apply via the link below; include in your application:
- a letter of motivation (max. 1 A4)
- a cv
- a recent list of courses followed and grades provided by your university
Apply before
1 July 2025
You will be notified about the outcome within two weeks. Please note that the decision of the selection committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
More info
E-mail: secretary@knir.it
Phone: (+39)063269621
© photos: Monkeys VideoLab
