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 distinctive cultures, languages, political views, religions, and traditions. Overall, this course offers an introduction to Europe, a continent of great diversity.
The themes we will study during your stay in Utrecht, will help you 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. You will engage with topics such as the emergence and construction of national identities, national identity versus European identity, the cultural heritage of Europe, and the processes of globalisation and transnational collaboration. Lectures will focus on the history, social and economic structures, culture, and current political and social debates within the wider European community. In the light of these last topics we will organise two field trips. All in all, a thought-provoking and inspiring course where you will experience an intensive two-week programme with lectures and seminar groups. Together with other students you are expected to work on group presentations and assignments.
Target audience
The programme is especially designed for students coming from countries outside Europe. The course has a focus on the humanities and social sciences. It offers a broad framework forming an excellent preparation for other Summer School courses in the humanities.
Aim of the course
The aim of this course is to introduce the participants to the social and cultural aspects of the nations within the European Community. The course will study both the development towards a united Europe and the enduring diversity of national cultures and identities within Europe.
Study load
A minimum of: 7 lectures (120 minutes) 4 seminars (90 minutes), 2 excursions, 1 exam, 1 certificate ceremony.
Costs
Additional information
If you would like to make use of the Utrecht Summer School student accommodation, please make sure to check this page. You can check on or after Sunday 2 July 2023, after 12.00 (noon). More information regarding the check-in will be shared with you in the pre-departure document. This document will be available to all fully registered students, as of March 2023.
Contact details
Utrecht Summer School | E: info@utrechtsummerschool.nl