Humanities Courses
The Utrecht Summer School offers a variety of academic courses in the humanities. Topics include European studies; cultural diversity; posthuman theory; reviewing internationalisation; and Old Catholic theology.
30 course(s) found
Old Catholic Theology: Communion as Calling and Challenge

This track consists of two connected courses that offer in the first week an introduction to Old Catholic theology in its ecumenical context and in the second week the possibility to deepen your understanding of Old Catholic Theology by in-depth classes related to the subject of Communion. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The courses in the first…
Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context

This course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as reflected in the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: The History of Old Catholicism, Spirituality, Ecumenism, Canon Law and Ecclesiology, Liturgy, and Systematic Theology.
Founding Europe: From Antiquity to the 19th Century

Come and study in two of the most exciting cities of Europe: Rome and Utrecht! You will dive into the exhilarating history of Europe, from the rise of civilization in Antiquity to the modern era of the 19th century. Together, these courses will provide you with a thorough knowledge of the history of these cities and nations, as well as an exciting overview of the history and workings of Europe.
The Making of Europe: Rise of Civilization

This two-week course will bring you to the heart of Rome, where you will learn about the political, social and religious history behind the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages and the birth of the Renaissance and Baroque. You will study the astonishing Italian accomplishments of the ancient to the early modern era. You will also visit a variety of beautiful ancient sites in the city such as the Pantheon, Colosseum and many more.
European Encounters: Diversity and Integration from West to East

This track is a joint programme on European integration by the Summer School of Utrecht University and the University of Latvia. The aim of the course is to introduce the diversity and unity of European identities, the European Union, (shared) foreign policy, security dilemmas and new challenges. The course delves into the different and diverse political and economic perspectives that can be found in Europe, and provides an insight into the…
European Studies

This special track offers you the opportunity to explore the history and culture of Europe. Studying in the beautiful medieval city of Utrecht, you will not only look into the various European cultures and identities, but also study the key issues related to ‘the rise of modern Europe’ from the Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century. You will examine the three major wars that shaped the 20th century in Europe: WW I and II, and the Cold War.
Dutch Culture in a European Context

This special track offers you the opportunity to study European and Dutch culture from one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Netherlands; the city of Utrecht. During the first two weeks you will analyse Europe’s cultural pluralism and its varied identities that still exist today. The topics you will study will help you to understand the complicated structure of Europe. We will shed some light on the motives for integration as well…
The Making of Europe

Dive into the thrilling history of Europe and its role on the world stage, zoom in on three of the most exciting cities of Europe: Rome, Utrecht and Berlin. This track is a combination of three courses, designed by three excellent European universities, and provides an overview of the history and functioning of Europe. Immerse yourself in Europe’s history and culture.
Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics: In search of being Church in Communion

'Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics: In Search of Being Church in Communion' focuses on a key topic in Old Catholic theology: communion. In Old Catholic theology, communion with God, with other Christians and with the whole of creation are of paramount importance. Participants in this course will immerse themselves into different aspects of communion. Classes will explore sacramental and liturgical theology, ecumenical theology, eco-…
Global Health Ethics & Equity

This summer course focuses on urgent topics in global health ethics and equity. With an enthusiastic team of experts from all over the world, the current major challenges to health equity in the world as well as potential solutions are discussed. This programme is a collaboration between the University Medical Center Utrecht and the Royal Tropical Institute.
Anglicanism in European Perspective

With the Anglican Centre in Rome as principal organizer, and in partnership with the Virginia Theological Seminary (Alexandria VA, USA), the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, Trinity Church Wall Street (New York), and the Utrecht Summer School, “Anglicanism in European Perspective” is intended for any student of Christian traditions, whether living or simply visiting in Europe, interested in seeing this historic Christian tradition…
Dutch Culture: History and Art

During this course you will be introduced to the rich cultural traditions developed in the Netherlands from the 17th century to the present day in artistic fields such as painting, literature, poetry and film-making. The question of Dutch identity will be explored by placing the history of the Netherlands and Dutch art in a wider European perspective.
Discovering the Dutch: Dutch Culture and Society

This special track explores the question of Dutch identity by placing the history of the Netherlands and Dutch art in a wider European and transatlantic perspective. You will be introduced to the rich cultural traditions which the Netherlands has developed from the Dutch Golden Age to the present day in artistic fields such as painting, literature, poetry and filmmaking. You will also analyse internationally debated issues in Dutch society, past…
The Rise of Modern Europe

Seize the opportunity to stay in two of the most exciting cities of Europe: Utrecht and Berlin, and travel back in time! The two parts of this programme will provide you with an exciting Dutch and German outlook on the history of Europe and help you understand the different factors that came to shape modern Europe. You will immerse yourself in Europe’s history and culture from the Middle Ages to the end of the 20th century and visit many of its…
Standing for the West on its Borderlands: Soft and Hard Security Dilemmas and Opportunities of the Baltic States

This summer school will provide an overview of one of the key trends in soft and hard security dilemmas and opportunities of the Baltics states. The objective will be to expose students to the latest trends in soft and hard security dilemmas (with more practical examples), including, countering disinformation, critical thinking, media literacy, propaganda and emotions and their impacts on large scale groups.
The Making of Europe: From Middle Ages to Modernity

Taking the alluring city of Utrecht as a starting point, this course offers students the opportunity to step into history. This historical journey, which illuminates Europe from the Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century, will help course participants to understand the many social, historical, religious and cultural factors that came to shape modern Europe.
Dutch Culture: Society and Current Issues

Dutch Culture: Society and Current Issues is an intensive two-week programme in which you will be introduced to Dutch culture and identity by Utrecht University scholars and guest lecturers. We aim to lay a solid foundation of knowledge of present-day Dutch society and its recent history, in a way that we hope will be both informative and enjoyable.
The Making of Europe: From the 20th to the 21st Century

This course will offer you the opportunity to step into history. This historical journey, which illuminates Europe from the Middle Ages to the end of the 19th century, will help you to understand the many social, historical, religious and cultural factors that came to shape modern Europe. This course provides an overview of the political, socio-economic, and cultural developments that shaped Europe throughout the 20th century and the first…
The 20th Century: Europe in Three Wars

When asked about 20th century Europe, most people's first associations are either Adolf Hitler or the Second World War. In the 20th century, however, Europe experienced not just one, but three horrific wars: the First World War, the Second World War and the Cold War that followed in the wake of the two World Wars. The first half of the 20th century is therefore often labelled as 'The Era of Violence', and perhaps rightly so. Still, this century…
Exploring Culture through Data: Digital Methods & Data Practices

Are you curious, eager to learn and would you like to have an enriching experience during your summer holidays? This course would make a great opportunity! The accelerating datafication of society constitutes challenges and opportunities for humanities research. We welcome you, students and non-students, to join us in this crash course in data practices and digital methods.
The Intersectional Posthumanities

The course will build on the tradition of neo-materialist, critical, intersectional feminist posthuman theory that Braidotti is internationally known for. The course will depart from the to understand the connections between multiply differing human and nonhuman subjects, while also working to avoid the too-often seen compartmentalization of the environmental humanities, the digital humanities, and questions of social justice and equality, the…
Reviewing Internationalisation: Open to Global Change?
Online course

The course takes a higher education, international relations, legal, and public policy perspective and combines theory with workshops, case studies and active team work. It is indispensable for researchers who wish to enhance the focus and scope of their research and for practitioners and policy makers involved in university (re-)strategizing. The dialogue between these different actors, coming from a broad range of countries, has proven highly…
Ecogames. Games and Play for Sustainability Awareness, Communication and Action

*** UPDATE 16-04: Tentative schedule published (see below). Day-to-day program will follow in May. ***
With the impending climate crisis and its short-term repercussions becoming more ‘tangible’ every year, popular media and especially games are increasingly moving into the center of attention. Whether these so-called ‘ecogames’ can provide new spaces to experiment with alternative forms of sustainable practices and communal organization, or…
Supervising Artistic and Practice-based Research
What are good practices of artistic and practice-based research supervision? This week-long course explores the heterogeneous processes of PhD- and postdoc-supervision in the arts with the goal of formulating shared horizons. We have the ambition of consolidating our collective mappings into a constructive and inspiring toolkit for researchers, supervisors, and evaluators.
The Politics of Disablement

The Politics of Disablement Summer School brings together scholars from various fields in the humanities and social sciences interested in thinking about the intersection of disability studies and politics. The event aims to explore the diverse ways in which disability is understood and experienced within different social, cultural and political contexts. The summer school will provide a platform for scholars, researchers and practitioners to…
Battlefields Uncovered: Introduction to Archaeological and Historical Investigations of Conflict 2023
Online course

This course brings together former and serving military personnel and university students to explore the archaeology of Waterloo and other iconic battlefields together. Students join from around the globe.
Sharing interests and insights, no matter what people’s background, age or experience, is at the heart of Waterloo Uncovered.
Recalling Earth: Decoloniality and Demodernity

Recalling Earth and learning worlds and worlds-making will be the topic of chapter 14th of the María Lugones Summer School that will take place at the Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven.
Grounded on the basic concept of decolonial thinking: that there is no modernity without coloniality, the summer school will be an exploration on a demodern and decolonial Recalling Earth and learning and making worlds. Decoloniality complemented with demodernity are…
Inner Development for Sustainable Futures

Developing your inner capacity to contribute to a sustainable future
In 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals developed a comprehensive plan for a sustainable world by 2030. The 17 goals cover a wide range of issues that involve people with different needs, values, and convictions. These goals are not easy to achieve, despite the rapid progress of technical and scientific developments. A culture change is necessary, aiming to develop the inner…
European Politics and Economy

The European Union (EU) is a political partnership between 27 democratic European countries. With a population of about 450 million, it has become a major player in global politics. In this course, the European Union is the main object of study. You will be introduced to the Union's history, institutional structures, current aims and future challenges. Lecturers will elaborate on the historical background and the various stages of integration.
European Cultures and Identities

Have you ever wondered what makes Europeans ‘European’? During this course you will uncover the answers while staying in the beautiful medieval city of Utrecht. You will explore Europe’s cultural pluralism and examine its varied identities that still exist today. Even though the majority of European countries are progressively collaborating on an economic and political level, each of Europe’s countries and peoples still have their own…