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News and events

22 May | China Seminar | Chao's Grammar: Historic or historical? by Jeroen Wiedenhof (LIAS, LUCL)

Yuen Ren Chao’s 趙元任 Grammar of spoken Chinese represents a milestone in Chinese linguistics. At the time of its publication in 1968, it brought a wealth of new data and insightful analyses to the field. But in 2013, how relevant can this inventory of the language still be? In this lecture, I will consider the work’s windfalls and pitfalls for linguistic research, for linguistics teaching, and for language pedagogy.

Leiden University's most successful institution at EuroMUN 2013

At the Model United Nations conference EuroMUN 2013, held last week in Maastricht, Leiden University was the most successful institution present. Its two respective teams, the Leiden Model United Nations Foundation and the Leiden University College MUN, took home eleven awards in total.

2013 University Elections under way

You have until Friday 17 May 16.00 hrs to vote for your representative in the Faculty Council and/or the University Council!

First Western European ScienceOnline community launched in Leiden

The first ScienceOnline community in Western Europe will be launched in Leiden on 30 May. ScienceOnline is a new community for science and online communication.

To Russia with Love: 100 years of Russian Studies in Leiden

Russia is a world power and an upcoming economy in which the Netherlands is a serious investor. Leiden University has been studying the Slavic world for 100 years. Professor Jos Schaeken: ‘If a decision has to be made at international level, Russia is always involved.’

How English is Leiden University?

The United Nations designated Tuesday 23 April as 'English Language Day' to celebrate the role of English as a connecting language across the world. How English is our University? ‘An increasing number of programmes are integrating academic English in their curriculum.’

Difficulties of academic collaboration with Russia

Although the Netherlands-Russia Year is now officially open, there is not much sign of academic collaboration between the two countries. ‘It does exist,’ says Russia expert André Gerrits, ‘but mostly in economically relevant fields.’

Masters Humanities rated good in Keuzegids Masters 2013

The Keuzegids Masters 2013 shows that Leiden University is doing just as well as the previous year. Four masters of Humanities are rated best in their kind. The MA History is even rated as best master of Leiden.

'Turkey. A Modern History' now in nine languages

The book on Turkey. A Modern History written by Professor Erik-Jan Zürcher, Professor of Turkish Studies, is now available in nine different languages. Arabic and Polish versions have now been published.

Leiden's links with the Dutch Royal Family

Future King Willem-Alexander studied in Leiden, as did his mother, Queen Beatrix. Leiden even has a member of the House of Orange to thank for its original foundation. Leiden academics are specialists in the history of the Royal House. There are also Leiden alumni who work for the royal couple. To mark the succession, the following are a few examples of Leiden's bonds with the Royal House.

Jos Schaeken new Dean of Leiden University College The Hague

The Executive Board of Leiden University has appointed Professor Jos Schaeken Dean of Leiden University College The Hague as of July 1, 2013. This appointment was made following an international and open search. Professor Schaeken will succeed Professor Chris Goto-Jones, who will again be able to devote more of his time to his research, having served as Dean of LUC The Hague for four years.

The true Istanbul feeling

In the last week of March, twenty Leiden students of Turkish and Middle Eastern Studies left for a seven-day trip to Istanbul. Their goal: to follow lectures and immediately see the theory in practice, on a city walk.

North Korea: strategy, scoundrels and internment camps

The threats from North Korea have become so serious that the US and South Korea may feel compelled to respond. Remco Breuker, Leiden Professor of Korean Studies, would like to see a European mediator.

Academy of Creative and Performing Arts film makes it to Cannes

The short film Alma & Esperanza , directed by Itandehui Jansen, a PhD candidate (directing supervisor Professor Dr. Kitty Zijlmans) of the Leiden University Academy for Creative and Performing Arts, has been selected to the Short Film Corner of this year’s edition of the Cannes International Film Festival.

International students: Learning experience in Leiden best in the Netherlands

Students rank the overall learning experience in Leiden and the English of Leiden academics as the best in the Netherlands, according to the latest International Student Barometer. ‘Another excellent result. It confirms we are on the right track,’ commented Vice-Rector Simone Buitendijk.

Hearing with glasses: hope for the deaf and hard of hearing

The first test results are positive and test subjects are enthusiastic about SpraakZien, the glasses that project speech as subtitles on the lenses. The glasses offer hope for the deaf and hard of hearing. ‘I wish the glasses were already on the market.’

Social sciences and humanities address Europe's social challenges

What are the key themes in the social sciences and humanities that warrant EU funding? This was the question addressed by deans from 21 European research universities who met on 21 March in Leiden.

Winter Queen exhibition: Pearls as symbol of power

A Leiden literary scholar, paintings of the Winter King and Queen and a string of pearls brought together by an exhibition in the Hague. Dr Nadine Akkerman: ‘The Winter Queen was a highly political person who used every means – including pearls - to showcase her royal lineage.’

‘Dutch students make me think about issues in a new way’

Kenneth Marcus from the Californian University of La Verne is Fulbright Visiting Professor in American Culture this Spring semester. He is enjoying spending time in the city where the Pilgrim Fathers lived. And he discovered something else. ‘Both the second and sixth presidents of the United States stayed here. You could promote their presence much more!’

Be electable for the Faculty Council!

Elections are planned for both the staff and the student section of the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Humanities in the spring of 2013. The newly elected members will take up office as members of the Council with effect from 1 September 2013.

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