Utrecht, Netherlands

Dutch Culture: Society and Current Issues

In this course you will explore Dutch culture and identity by focusing on present-day Dutch society and its recent history. You will learn about typically Dutch phenomena such as the poldermodel, mobile flood barriers and windmills as well as their contributions to the economic success and the international orientation of the Netherlands. You will also have lectures on subjects such as religious diversity, (im)migration and secularization.

This course is devoted to two specific themes: Society (1) and Contemporary Issues (2)

Theme 1: Society - During the first week, lecturers will discuss the most characteristic institutions and arrangements of Dutch society. This includes, the welfare state and the polder model but also the actual lay-out of the country. Since the Dutch live in a small geographical space, environmental planning and engineering have always been of vital importance. Another crucial feature of Dutch planning is water management. You will learn about the real role of the typical windmills that you can find all over the Netherlands.

Theme 2: Contemporary Issues - This topic explores public debates in Dutch society at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Topics discussed are religious diversity and secularization, immigration and integration and Dutch traditions of cooperation reflected in the presence of the Peace Palace and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. You will have various lectures and seminar groups during which you are expected to participate in discussions on Dutch society and to work on assignments.

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.

Course leader

Dr. Arthur Weststeijn

Target group

The programme is open to students from all discipline. The course will focus on the humanities and social sciences.

Course aim

This course introduces participants to the history, society and culture of the Netherlands. By studying Dutch society and culture in an international context, you will be offered an incentive to reflect anew on your own culture and society in an international atmosphere.

Fee info

EUR 974: Course + course materials
EUR 450: Housing fee (optional)