All Courses
On this page you can find all the courses and tracks offered by the Utrecht Summer School. Check the course pages for more detailed information.
41 course(s) found
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…
1
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…
1
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…
1
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.
1
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.
1
Psycholinguistics - ILS

This elementary to intermediate level course will provide the student with a basic knowledge of psycholinguistics, a research domain on the intersection of linguistics, psychology and neuroscience. Three major research topics in psycholinguistics will be presented: language comprehension, language production and (first) language acquisition. In addition, we will discuss language disorders, both acquired (aphasia) and innate (developmental…
1
Chinese Language and Culture HSK2 -> HSK3
Online course

The Chinese language is the most widely spoken language in the world. Learning Chinese can open a new door for you to explore the culture and society of this rapidly developing country. Starting with basic knowledge of Chinese (HSK 2 or more than 200 study hours), you will be able to further your language skills, conduct daily conversations and learn 150 new words (including the characters) at the end of this four-week intensive course. In…
1
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.
1
History of Art: Highlights in Germany and the Netherlands

This four-week course is offered in collaboration with the Freie Universität in Berlin. By combining studies from Utrecht and Berlin, you will be able to get a glimpse of different centuries of art history in Northern Europe, compare differences and similarities between the two locations, and join museum visits. You will have the chance to explore the art scenes of these two vibrant cities, both from a past and present perspective.
1
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…
1
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.
1
Meaningful Leadership for a Better World

Do you have a passion for making a positive impact in the world? Do you want to learn how to lead with purpose, values, and ethics? Do you want to develop your skills in sustainability and social innovation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are ready to join the Meaningful Leadership for a Better World course at Utrecht Summer School. This course will help you discover what meaningful leadership means and how to apply it…
1
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.
1
Bilingualism - ILS

Ask someone their opinion on bilingualism and you are likely to hear statements such as: 'learning two languages from birth confuses children and impairs their cognitive development', 'Bilingual children can't speak either of their two languages properly' or 'You can only become bilingual if you start acquiring your second language as a young child.' Though common currency among the general public, each of these statements is in fact a myth. In…
1
Chinese Language and Culture HSK1 -> HSK2
Online course

The Chinese language is the most widely spoken language in the world. Learning Chinese can open a new door for you to explore the culture and society of this rapidly developing country. Starting with basic knowledge of Chinese (HSK 1 or more than 100 study hours), you will be able to conduct daily conversations and learn 150 new words at the end of this four-week intensive course. In addition, you will earn 7.5 ETCS after successful completion…
1
A Journey through Dutch Art

Experience the highlights of Dutch art from the last 400 years at first hand! This track covers many of the country's most renowned artists, museums and cities. Discover the famous masters of the Golden Age of Dutch Art. Examine Dutch art from the 18th and 19th century, up to the early decades of modernism, including artists such as Van Gogh and Mondrian. This track will tell you all about the masterpieces and its painters by taking you out of…
1
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.
1
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-…
1
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.
1
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.
1
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…
1
Introduction to L1 and L2 Acquisition - ILS

This course introduces the basics of (formal) semantics and first and second language (L1/L2) acquisition as well as the interface between them.
1
Chinese Language and Culture for Beginners 0 -> HSK1
Online course

The Chinese language is the most widely spoken language in the world. Learning Chinese can open a new door for you to explore the culture and society of this rapidly developing country. Starting from zero, you will be able to conduct simple conversations and learn 150 new words (including the characters) at the end of this four-week intensive course. In addition, you will earn 7.5 ETCS after successful completion of this course and be qualified…
1
Dutch Art from Van Gogh to Mondrian

This course takes you through Dutch art from the 18th and 19th century, up to the early decades of modernism. After the prosperous 17th century, innovations in the art world stagnated, until artists in the 19th century started to strive for the elusive ideal of truthfulness again, in a totally different way. Sign up for this course and discover the different styles, techniques and approaches of these modern Dutch artists, in paintings and…
1
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…
1