A morning of lectures and discussions
During the visit, organised in close collaboration with Marije Spek (Programme Manager of the Expert Centre Restitution [ECR] at NIOD), students attended lectures by distinguished researchers, including Prof. dr. Kees Ribbens, Daniël Hendrikse and Harco Gijsbers. These talks provided insight into how photography in particular has been used to document history and inform academic research. Students also engaged with current projects, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and methodologies involved in working with photographic archives.

Archives and research of NIOD
Founded in 1945, NIOD is dedicated to researching the history of war, the Holocaust and genocide, with a focus on preserving historical records and fostering public understanding. Its extensive archives, including photographs, documents and oral histories, serve as invaluable resources for scholars, students and the wider public. The institute plays an integral role in examining how societies remember and come to terms with complex and painful pasts.

Connecting theory with practice
The visit allowed students to examine photographs and documentation from NIOD’s collection, linking classroom theory to real-world practice. This hands-on experience aligned closely with course material, which explores the profound influence of photography on socio-political narratives.

More on the course
The Photograph as Social Political Document examines the role of images in shaping history and public discourse. Students learn to formally analyse photographs and critically question their role in fields such as science, media and the courtroom. The course challenges assumptions about photographic truth, using examples ranging from child labour reform to environmental activism, to explore how images serve as powerful tools for argumentation and change while also teaching students how to critically engage with visual evidence and documentation.