Dutch

This course is only for students who have passed SD1 or already know some Dutch and had an intake with one of our staff members. Once you've completed this module you will be able to: inquire about travel and transport; talk about your house; conduct simple discussions in present and future tenses; and get around in shops, restaurants, and markets.

This course helps students discover the history and culture of the country in which they are now staying: The Netherlands. This course explores how and when the Netherlands grew to become the country it now is. When did the Netherlands become a Republic and how come it now also has a King? How did a country that emerged out of religious wars end up among the most ‘progressive’ countries when it comes to ethical questions such as birth control and euthanasia? Why does this small country on the international scene often present itself as a moral leader? How has living below the sea level influenced political cooperativeness and social egalitarianism? How tolerant was and is Dutch society? And how ‘Golden’ was the Golden Age that brought the country its famous painters, but also built on colonial profits? Analyzing the past to make sense of the present, the course explores the most relevant parts of Dutch history and also critically reflects on the concepts and categories often used to relate these to present issues. Can we speak of ‘a’ Dutch identity, and if so, what does it mean? What are the (inter)national images of Dutch culture, and when and why were they constructed? Paintings, songs, literature, and other sources are used to research Dutch national stereotypes in their national context. In weekly tutorials, key aspects of Dutch identity such as the love of independence, tolerance, and egalitarianism are discussed while chronologically moving through Dutch early modern history and modern history. All sessions are a mixture of interactive lectures and PBL format, allowing students to share their own experiences, bring in relevant background knowledge and phrase their own questions. Short individual presentations are used to zoom in on specific famous paintings, songs, novels, and other sources related to the theme of that particular week. This course runs during both block 1 and 2.