Netherlands

The rules of syntax determine which logical possibilities are sentences, while semantics relates to their interpretation. This course begins with an introduction to the philosophical and scientific background for the study of syntax and meaning. Next, fundamental syntactic categories and concepts, and their relationship to semantic notions are explored. Topics including the elements of lexical meaning, phrase structure, syntactic movement, and the computation of sentence meaning are explored within a theoretical context. This course serves as a basis for further specialization in fields including linguistics, philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, and computer science.

This course introduces students to the field of postcolonial studies. By drawing on history, anthropology, sociology, political theory, international law, psychology, and comparative literature, the course delves into processes of European colonization post-1600 and how they shaped interactions, mentalities, and ideas of authority both in the European metropoles and in the areas that came to be defined as colonies. The course focuses inquires on countries such as the Netherlands and looks carefully at the period from the late 19th century onwards. The course probes the historical transformations, political imperatives, and cultural rationales that shaped the experience of colonialism and its aftermath, both in metropole and colony.  The course further explores how legacies of empire are inscribed and represented in contemporary public spaces. By doing so, students become more aware of, and are able to grapple with the residues and reckonings of colonialism today.

Throughout human history, all societies have been confronted with questions about the world, themselves, and others. These questions arise at various stages in the development of civilizations, but once asked, persist throughout time. In this respect, philosophy should never be seen as a uniquely Western discipline, despite the Western tendency to view it as such. This course attempts to redress this imbalance. Once made aware of the issue of Eurocentrism in intellectual history early in their philosophical education, students then explore the richness of non-Western philosophical inquiry more fully. Each meeting consists of an explanatory lecture that introduces the various themes and topics covered in the course. Students then have the opportunity to raise their questions and learn from each other. Due to the multicultural nature of the course content, students also receive instruction on various methods for comparing and contrasting the philosophical themes under discussion. Assignments include the careful reading and study of the course material, the preparation of papers, and active participation in discussions.