What do you like about the programme and why?
I love this Master’s specialisation. During my Bachelor's I was already interested in antiquity and this Master's has provided more in depth knowledge. We are also working with new concepts like "transhistoricity", by creating a museum exhibition.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
Because the small number of students, there is a lot of interaction between students in class, as well as between students and teachers. The teachers are all very passionate about their discipline, which has a motivating effect.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s?
I'm aware that most Master’s only last a year and there is just one semester available for the thesis. However, I wish there was more time for writing the thesis. This would allow for more elaboration on the topic, which would benefit the end result.
You are currently writing your thesis? What is it about?
Actually, I have just handed in my MA-thesis. For this thesis, I analysed curse tablets (defixiones) that were found in Roman North Africa and Roman Britain (approx. first century BCE - fourth century CE). My aim was to bring nuance to the existing (ancient and modern) stereotypes regarding the participation of women in religious and/or magical practices, and to gain more insight into the daily lives of women in antiquity. Currently, I'm also doing an internship at the "stadhoudersvrouwen-brieven project." This is a project that is dedicated to the digitising of the correspondence of the wives of the Dutch and Frisian stadtholders. I'm working with the letters of Marie Louise van Hessen Kassel; I am in the process of entering metadata, preparing the letters for scanning, and doing research. With this internship, I wanted to branch out a little into the Early Modern period, and I wanted to experience what it is like to be involved with history in the work field.
And afterwards? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
It's a really interesting and lovely Master's specialisation :). I'm planning on doing a second Master's degree.