Humanities Courses
The Utrecht Summer School offers a variety of academic courses on cultural topics. Central issues include European integration, cultural diversity and intercultural communication.
All courses include the teaching format in the course description.
31 course(s) found
Ecogames. Games and Play in Sustainability Awareness, Communication and Action
*** UPDATE: The first complete version of the day-to-day program, including all abstract and lecturer bios, has been published.
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…
Battlefields Uncovered 2: Developing and Demonstrating Understanding of Places of Past Conflict
If you have previously completed Battlefields Uncovered: Introduction to Archaeological and Historical Investigations of Conflict, you can build on your learning in this course. You can choose to either join a heritage organisation near you to gain more practical skills or to write a guided research paper.
Learning to Unlearn Decolonially - Disobeying, Delinking and Relinking
Coloniality of knowledge, aesthetics and spirituality are areas of experience managed and controlled by major Western institutions. The combination of institutions and languages secured the belief in the universality of Western knowledge, aesthetics, beliefs and its peculiar 'rational' world-view. It also drove the appropriation and destitution of non-western knowledges, aesthesis and spiritualities. The seminar will be devoted to explore…
Old Catholic Theology: The Early Church as Charism 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 thematic and in-depth case-driven classes. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The first week will offer a broad…
Waterloo Uncovered Battlefield Excavation
A unique chance to access one of history's greatest battlefields at Waterloo and to work with a world-leading team of archaeologists and historians. Experience first-hand what it's like to uncover the past and to interpret those finds with the guidance of leading experts. This entry-level course requires no previous archaeological experience and is open to registered university students and to serving and former military personnel.
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 they exist 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. After…
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.
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! The combination of three courses, designed by three excellent European universities, will provide an overview of the history and functioning of Europe. Immerse yourself in Europe’s history and culture.
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. Excursions will take you from the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the European Parliament in Brussels, to The Hague and Amsterdam where you will visit the seat of the Dutch government and study paintings by Rembrandt and Van Gogh up close.
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.
Creative Fiction and Non-Fiction: Utrecht Writing Workshop
Writing creatively, in any genre, is the ultimate way to explore the possibilities for expression and innovation in language. In this course (with instruction in Dutch or English) you will focus on structure, style, and genre to improve your writing skills, and write critical exegeses of your work to situate it within longstanding traditions and current trends in literature.
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 uncover Europe’s cultural pluralism and examine its varied identities that still exist today. Even though the majority of European countries is progressively collaborating on an economic and political level, each of Europe’s countries and peoples still carry their own…
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.
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!
The Early Church as Ideal: Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics
This course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a modern church be so ‘traditional’ at the same time? This apparent tension and paradox will be the core theme of this weeklong, intensive course. The course will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology…
Global Health Ethics & Equity
This summer course will focus on urgent topics in global health ethics and equity. With an enthusiastic team of experts from all over the world, we will discuss the major challenges to health equity in the world at this moment as well as potential solutions. This programme is a collaboration between the University Medical Center Utrecht and the Royal Tropical Institute.
Humanizing Birth: Launching Critical Midwifery Studies
Globally, the call for the humanization of childbirth is loud and urgent. The amount of childbirth related trauma, the rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in BIPOC communities, and the lack of midwifery that is tailored to people of all genders, testify that we are getting something not quite right. Midwifery is often proposed as a way to ensure emotionally and physically safe care for all. While believing in the potential of…
The Making of Europe: From Middle Ages to Modernity
Taking the beautiful city of Utrecht as a starting point, 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.
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…
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 that 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…
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.
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.
Science and Values: Historical and Philosophical Perspectives
What are the values that drive scientific knowledge production? What is the value of science in society? What are the values that give scientific knowledge legitimacy and authority? This summer school focuses on the role of values in and of science and their relevance in past and present scientific investigations and debates. While epistemic and non-epistemic values often are implicit to our knowledge production practices, they play a…
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: The Long 20th Century
Taking the beautiful city of Utrecht as a starting point, 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.
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 their wake. The first half of the 20th century is therefore often labelled as “The Era of Violence”, and perhaps rightly so. Still, this century can just as easily…
Understanding Internationalisation: Higher Education in a Changing Global Context
The changing global context is affecting higher education and urging universities to rethink internationalization. While missions and challenges may be global, views may diverge across countries, regions, and beyond traditional West-East / North-South frames. What views are actually driving the various communities internal to the university and those of our external partners and stakeholders? How are these views being shaped and what are the…
Exploring Culture through Data: Digital methods & Data practices
Please note that the dates for this summer school have not been finalized and may thus still be subject to change.
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…
The Posthuman Life of Methods
The course will build on the tradition of neo-materialist, critical feminist posthuman theory that Braidotti is internationally known for. It focusses on the methodological implications of posthuman scholarship in the Humanities across a broad inter-disciplinary range. The course offers a selected overview of the key literature in fields that include philosophy, literature, law, media, pedagogy, postcolonial theory and the arts. Mindful of the…
Battlefields Uncovered: Introduction to Archaeological and Historical Investigations of Conflict
What do battlefields have to tell us about the past and about ourselves? Battlefields Uncovered studies some of the most dramatic turning points in World History through the lens of Military History and Archaeology. See how groundbreaking archaeological techniques can shine a light through the fog of war. Discover the complex issues to be considered when preserving and presenting places of past armed conflict. Consider what stories should be…