Dutch Culture: History and Art
Theme 1: Dutch Identity and History
We will start with some historical lecturers that will give you insight in distinctive historical periods of Dutch history. Topics that will be discussed are the productive Golden Age of the 17th Century, as well as Dutch-American relations, Dutch traditions of tolerance and accommodation, and the challenges it met during periods of war and upheaval.
Theme 2: History of Art, Literature and Learning
Within the historical context of the preceding topics, students will be introduced to the cultural expressions and traditions that support the Dutch in their claim to international fame as a cultural nation. During this part of the course lecturers will discuss Dutch photography, architecture, literature, academic learning and famous painters such as Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, Vincent van Gogh and Mondrian.
You will experience an intensive two-week programme with lectures and seminar groups during which you are expected to participate in discussions and work on assignments and group presentations.