This special track will explore the question of Dutch identity by placing the history of the Netherlands and Dutch art in a wider European and transatlantic perspective. Furthermore, you will be introduced to the rich cultural traditions that the Netherlands developed from the Dutch Golden Age to the present day in such artistic fields as painting, literature, poetry and filmmaking.
Every week will be devoted to a specific theme:
Theme 1: Dutch Identity and HistoryLectures will discuss distinctive periods in Dutch history such as the productive Golden Age of the 17th Century. You will explore Dutch traditions of literacy, cosmopolitanism, tolerance and accommodation, and the challenges it met during periods of war and upheaval.
Theme 2: History of Art, Literature and LearningWithin the historical context of the preceding week, students will be introduced to the cultural expressions and traditions that support the Dutch in their claim to international fame as a cultural nation. Lectures will discuss Dutch architecture, literature, academic learning and famous painters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and Mondrian.
Theme 3: SocietyLectures discuss the most characteristic institutions and arrangements of Dutch society such as the welfare state. Since the Dutch live in a small geographical space, environmental planning and engineering always have been of vital importance to them. You will learn about the real role of the windmills, but also about other factors that contributed to the economical success and international orientation of the Netherlands.Theme 4: Contemporary IssuesThe last week of this course explores public debates in Dutch society at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Topics discussed are religious diversity and secularization, immigration and integration, permissiveness and Dutch law in action and the traditions of cooperation and international law reflected in the Peace Palace and the International Criminal Court.
Period
22-07-2013 - 16-08-2013 (4 weeks)
Target group
The programme is open for students from all disciplines, although the course will focus on the humanities and social sciences.
Course aim
This special track introduces participants to the history, society and culture of the Netherlands. By studying Dutch society and culture in an international context, you will be offered an incentive to reflect anew on your own culture and society in an international atmosphere.
Credits
6.0 ECTS credits
Certificate of Attendance
Course fee
EUR 1765: Course + course materials + housing + mealplan
Course leader
dr. Jaap Verheul & drs. Maurits Rost
Scholarships
Utrecht Summer School doesn't offer scholarships for this course.
Utrecht University
Address: PO BOX 80148
Postal code: 3508 TC
City: Utrecht
Country: Netherlands
Website: http://www.utrechtsummerschool.nl
E-mail: summerschool@uu.nl
Phone: 0031302534400
Discovering the Dutch: Dutch Culture and Society
label
Diverse
calendar_month
2013-01-07, 00:00
autorenew
2025-09-29, 17:00
history_edu
Cristian Ion
