Introduction

In Powerplay we work on formulating counter-narratives: stories that subdue and deconstruct assumptions, stereotypes, one-sided histories and beliefs. Counter-narratives are used here as a way of acknowledging, making space for, and listening to those whose stories are marginalised and silenced, while also finding new arrangements where they could be heard, seen, felt, and made sense of. 

Powerplay starts with the ambition to articulate where and how power relations function within all facets of society, ranging from the micro (e.g., friendship, family, bodies) to the macro (institutions, bodies of knowledge, geopolitics). This minor aims to reveal and re-imagine the power structures that govern our human, non-human, digital, and territorial bodies. In doing so, we attempt to articulate in subtle and strategic forms our own entanglement with power to decentralise, redistribute, and destabilise the power(s) at play. 

Throughout this minor, we actively examine, discuss, and reflect on our positionality in order to gain a better understanding of the contexts in which dominant strategies emerge and circulate. We do so by critically reflecting on how our vision, voice, and subjective points of view are shaped. By equipping ourselves with experimental storytelling, narrative strategies, and modes of writing, we aim to envision, (re)imagine, and create counter-narratives where dissonant voices are heard and disregarded knowledge systems are re-acknowledged and re-activated. 

During this minor you will formulate your own goals and assignments, and develop your own working methods, using relevant theories and analytical tools. The result can be an art or design object, publication (such as artists’ books), interdisciplinary installation, performance, exhibition or other type of project.

Format

This program is conducted in real life (IRL) with a limited number of online sessions determined by the teaching team.

KEYWORDS

Power Structures, Human Behaviour, Representation, Social Systems, Narratives, Future

 

 

Learning Outcomes

• You are able to work independently on creating a self-developed project that challenges and disrupts a dominant narrative by investigating norms, structures, and representations of power within a self-chosen context.
• You are able to demonstrate critical theoretical skills to understand, analyse, and position yourself in relation to a chosen dominant narrative.
• You are able to build an archive on the dominant narrative of your choice, and conduct archival research by means of analysis, argumentation, critical writing, decolonial listening, reciprocity, and experimenting with narrative techniques.
• You are able to collaborate on a public event or co-organise the final collective exhibition that makes your research public to an audience.
• You are able to document your process and reflect on your development by maintaining a well-structured digital journal / webpage.

What we expect

This minor is looking for students who engage and position themselves critically within the course discussion, literature and artistic processes of and around power structures, counter-narratives, and social systems.

We expect students to participate in the processes of questioning and challenging dominant narratives, regimes of production and reproduction in society.

What we offer

• Field trips
• Guest Lecturers
• Seminars and workshops
• Interdisciplinary and experimental modes of working.

APPLICATION PROCESS (KOM)

Are you a student from another educational institution and would you like to follow a minor at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences? If so, you must apply in two steps:

Step 1
Register for the minor of your choice via the blue Apply button. You can find this button at the top right of the minor’s page.
Download the learning agreement and complete it.
Submit this learning agreement to the examination board of your study programme.
Once the examination board has granted approval, register for the minor in Step 2 no later than 01-07-2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Step 2
After approval, register via OSIRIS Application of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences using the link below (first create an account).

https://osiris.hr.nl/osiris_aanmeld_hrprd/Welkom.do?proces=KOM2609&opleiding=MINOR-WDK-VT 00

Part of the application process is uploading the following documents:

The learning agreement, signed by you and by your institution;
A scan or photo of your passport or ID card.
 
You will be informed by Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences whether your application has been approved.

In OSIRIS Application, you must also upload the Proof of Paid Tuition Fee (BBC) for the academic year in which you wish to follow the minor. This can be done from 01 May 2026onwards. You can request the BBC from your institution after you have signed or issued an authorization for the payment of the tuition fee for the relevant academic year. You may also choose the option for your institution to send the BBC directly to collegegeld@hr.nl.

You will receive a notification from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences once your application has been approved.

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