Winterschool Roma Caput Mundi

Rome, caput mundi, is the city of cities. No other place in the world has played such an important role in the development of Western culture, from antiquity until today. Rome’s history of three millennia is still tangible on every street corner and every square in the city, from the Capitol to St. Peter’s and from the classical Forum Romanum to Mussolini’s Foro Italico. In this course we will discuss the many ways to approach and think about this rich cultural heritage.

What is so special about Rome? Through the ages, the ruins and artistic treasures of antiquity have served as inspiration for political and creative imagination all around the world. Rome has also provoked feelings of nostalgia and illusionary longing for an authentic past, while locations in the city have time and again been used as lieux de mémoire to convey value-laden interpretations of history. What is the meaning of these phenomena for contemporary Rome, characterised by mass tourism and globalisation? During fourteen days we will research these themes of imagination, authenticity and memory in the construction and presentation of Rome’s world heritage. Participants in the course will actively become acquainted with the fascinating past and present of Rome, visiting a series of famous and less-known sites.

Teaching staff
Rens Tacoma (RT), Ancient Studies: r.tacoma knir.it (coordinator)
Maria Bonaria Urban (MU), History: m.b.urban knir.it
Diana Giofré (DG), Library: d.giofre knir.it
Laura Overpelt (LO), Art History: l.overpelt knir.it

Course language
English

Course objectives
The main objectives of the course are the following:

• The student will be familiar with the main historical developments of the city of Rome from Classical antiquity to the present;
• The student will be able to understand and reproduce the basics of the heritage discourse;
• The student will be able to conduct research on a specific object, monument or location in the city of Rome;
• The student will be able to apply the terminology and concepts of the heritage discourse to a case study;
• The student will be able to present and discuss the results of his/her research to an audience with a general academic background;
• The student will be able to write an academic paper on the results of their research, including the outcome of the discussion following the presentation, which conforms to all the usual academic and scholarly norms.

Teaching method
The KNIR Winter School Roma Caput Mundi is an intensive course on location in Rome for which 15 BA students are selected on the basis of prior study results and a letter of motivation. They are assigned a preparatory assignment, based on mandatory literature. The course further comprises lectures and tutorials at the KNIR and excursions by the teaching staff. During the duration of the course, students work in the KNIR-library on their assignments.

Target group
BA-students of all disciplines from the Universiteit van Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Universiteit Leiden, Universiteit Utrecht, Radboud Universiteit, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, as well as Amsterdam University College, University College Groningen, Roosevelt University College, Leiden University College The Hague and University College Utrecht. A positive BSA is required for participation.

Application and admission

This course is open to max. 15 BA students. 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 button ‘Register for a course’ on the course overview page. 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
  

We believe diversity enriches debate: different perspectives contribute to the quality of our work. We therefore value and highly encourage applications from students with diverse backgrounds and identities.

Credits and study load
The study load is the equivalent of 6 ECTS (168 hours). Each student should arrange with his/her home coordinator whether the course can be a part of the existing curriculum. After successful completion of the course the KNIR provides a certificate mentioning study load and evaluation.
The study load is divided as follows:

• Preparatory work: independent study of literature and review: 1 ECTS (28 hours);
• In Rome (13 days): active participation, presentation, draft of essay: 4 ECTS (112 hours);
• Concluding work: essay of max. 2500 words (excl. footnotes and bibliography): 1 ECTS (28 hours).
  

Assessment
Assessment takes place on the basis of preparatory assignment (20%), active participation and on-site presentation (30%), and a concluding essay (50%). 

Costs
Participants will receive free tuition and excursions (including most entry fees for museums and archaeological sites). If you are enrolled in one of our partner universities, your travel expenses to/ from Rome will be reimbursed up to € 100,- (or up € 125,- in case you travel by train) upon successful completion of this course. Meals, personal expenses, and local transportation costs are not included.

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 center 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.

Deadline applications

16 November 2026. You will be notified about the outcome within two weeks after the deadline. 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

©photo (tile): Ollie Tulett