Study information
Theory of Knowledge Experience Day
- Explanation
- You can participate in the Online Experience Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology throughout the whole year, 24/7. Start this Online Experience whenever you want.
- Location
- Agora building
Wassenaarseweg 52 52
2333AK LEIDEN - Room
- tba
Thomas Middleton
Theory of Knowledge Teacher International School Utrecht
“Students gained a much better understanding of anthropology and its relevance beyond TOK. Many were inspired to use examples from the lectures for their TOK Exhibition.”
Student of International School Utrecht
Student
“The mini-lectures at Leiden University were helpful because they showed how cultural objects can share knowledge about people, traditions, and beliefs, and one idea that stayed with me was how objects can tell stories about a culture even without words."
About the Programme
This programme helps IB students develop ideas for their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Exhibition and Essay. Through interactive mini-lectures, discussions and a museum visit, students explore how knowledge is created, interpreted and challenged in different cultural contexts in preparation of their exhibition.
Anthropology and TOK Anthropology invites students to explore questions that are central to TOK: How do different cultures understand knowledge? How does perspective shape what we believe to be true? Who produces knowledge, and whose knowledge counts? These questions help students think critically about knowledge, evidence and perspective.
Learning outcomes
Students visit Leiden University for a half-day programme designed to support the International Schools with TOK & career orientation.
During the programme, students explore examples from anthropological research and museum collections.
- inspiration for their TOK Exhibition objects and commentary
- connecting TOK prompts with classroom examples
- insight into how anthropologists and sociologists study cultures and societies
- experience of academic lectures and discussions
- Career orientation, interaction with international students
Practical information
| Suitable for | IB Diploma Programme students (DP1 / DP2) |
| Location | Leiden University |
| Duration | 3-hour morning session optional afternoon excursion |
Programme overview
Schools may combine the programme with a visit to the Wereldmuseum (World Museum) Leiden, where museum objects provide additional context for TOK themes
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 09:15–09:30 | Arrival | Welcome at Leiden University and short introduction to the programme. |
| 09:30–10:00 | Mini lecture | A cultural object is presented and discussed: how is knowledge interpreted in context? |
| 10:15–11:00 | Interactive session | Students learn to connect TOK prompts with classroom examples under supervision of a mentor. |
| 11:15–12:00 | Career session | Introduction to studying anthropology and sociology at Leiden University. |
| 13:00–16:00 | Wereldmuseum visit* | Optional visit to the Wereldmuseum Leiden with a guided tour focusing on objects and culture. |
*The Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (CADS) and Wereldmusem collaborate to facilitate a one-day integrated excursion (museum admission applies)