RWS International Relations and the Sea
In the Research Workshop International Relations and the Sea, master students learn how to structure and conduct historical research on maritime topics in an appropriate and efficient manner as a preparation for writing their M.A. thesis. The tutorial classes focus on the critical assessment and discussion of the research design, data collection, and methodology. In addition, much consideration is given to the analysis, reporting, and presentation of research findings. Every year, students present their research plans and research outcomes to the curators of the Maritime Museum, resulting in a constructive and inspiring discussion on historical meaning of various maritime topics.
Globalization and Port Competitiveness
Series of lectures and tutorial classes on the impact of global processes on local port systems for international master students, all participants of the Erasmus Mundus program Global Markets, Local Creativities (GLOCAL), which the Erasmus University offers in cooperation with six European partner universities. The course gives students insight into how the maritime domain can be at the center of globalization processes and how local political and business decisions matter in a maritime context. Students write essays examining how globalization has affected the development of a port and how the port and its stakeholders have responded.
Bachelor Thesis Class
In tutorials, undergraduate students learn to set up a small research project on a maritime topic. They formulate an elaborate research question, find and critically interpret different types of primary sources, and engage with relevant secondary literature. They also apply theoretical and methodological concepts. Students compile and present the results of their research in an academic report, their B.A. thesis.
Objects as a Primary Source for Understanding the (Maritime) Past – Leiden University
A lecture for second year undergraduate students aimed at developing research methods and skills in applying the study of objects as a source of knowledge about the (maritime) past. A number of students also participate in a practicum at the Maritime Museum Rotterdam. They study objects from the museum’s collection using a tool for the use of objects as historical sources, which is being developed at the Rotterdam Center for Modern Maritime History.