This special track offers you the opportunity to study European and Dutch culture in 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 as the obstacles on the way to European unity. Lectures will focus on the history, social and economic structures, culture, and current political and social debates within the wider European community. In light of these last topics you will go on multiple field trips related to these topics.
After the first two weeks you will focus more specifically on the Netherlands and on Dutch identity. Each week will have its own theme, the first of which is Dutch identity and history. The lectures will give you an insight into the distinctive historical periods of Dutch history. Topics that will be discussed include: development of the Netherlands during the Middle Ages, the Dutch religious landscape and the prints and cartography of the Dutch Golden Age.
The second theme focuses on the historical context of the preceding topics, and you will be introduced to the cultural expressions and traditions that support the Dutch in their claim to international fame as a cultural nation. During excursions you will visit some of the most world-renowned museums.
You will then proceed with the third theme: society. Lecturers will discuss characteristic institutions and arrangements of Dutch society such as the welfare state and the polder model. You will learn about the real role of the windmills and about other factors that contributed to the economic success and international orientation of the Netherlands.
Finally, we will end with the theme ‘contemporary issues’. This topic explores public debates in Dutch society at the beginning of the 21st century. Topics that will be discussed are religious diversity and secularization, immigration and integration and Dutch traditions of cooperation reflected in the presence of the Peace Palace and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. There will be a full day excursion to The Hague which includes a visit to the Dutch Parliamentary building (Binnenhof).
Together, these six weeks will provide you with new and extensive insights into European and Dutch culture, from both inside and outside of the classroom.
Target audience
Students with an interest in Dutch and European culture and history.
Aim of the course
This course introduces participants to the social and cultural aspects of the nations within the European Community. It goes deeper into Dutch culture and identity by introducing participants to its history, society, art and culture. By studying the development of a united Europe and Dutch society, art and culture in an international context, students will be offered an incentive to reflect anew on their own culture and society in an international setting.
Study load
Students will take part in an intensive six-week programme with lectures and seminar groups. Together with other students they are expected to work on group presentations and assignments.
Costs
Additional information
The housing costs include housing, plus a Utrecht Summer School sleeping bag, for you to keep. This sleeping bag also includes an inflatable pillow and matrass cover. If you wish to bring your own bedding, please contact us, so we can give you a € 50 discount on the housing fee. Please note that you cannot buy individual bedding items.
Contact details
Utrecht Summer School | E: info@utrechtsummerschool.nl